What to Do If You Have Claw Toe
Claw toe is a foot deformity. It often gets mistaken for hammertoe, but it differs because, with claw toe, your toes are bending down to resemble a claw look. When you experience this issue, you will notice that your toes are creating painful calluses. High-heeled shoes are a common reason behind this, along with short shoes, nerve damage, diabetes, or weakened muscles in your foot. Claw toe is painful and can cause permanent damage to your toes and mobility.
Claw Toe Treatment Options
If you notice that you have a claw toe, you will need to see a podiatrist so that you can get it treated.
- Splints and Tape-if you still have mobility in your toe, a podiatrist will recommend taping your toes or placing a splint on your toe to get it in the correct position.
- Appropriate Footwear-having the proper shoes with a roomy toe box will help relieve inflammation. Avoid tight shoes and high heels as they will push the toe into the wrong position and encourage your toes to curl. A shoe that classifies as in-depth is also helpful.
- Exercise Toes- use your hands to stretch your toes and joints into the proper position. Pick up a marble with your toes is an excellent exercise as well.
- Pads-the pads will need to be used when you can’t move your toes anymore, and they are in a fixed position. They will help to redistribute your weight while relieving the pressure that occurs on the ball of your foot.
If none of the above treatment options resolve the issue, your podiatrist may suggest surgery. The complexity of the surgery will depend on the flexibility of your foot and toes.
The Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists that serve the areas of Green Valley, AZ, Tucson, AZ, and Oro Valley, AZ, can help you resolve this painful issue, and help you heal. Our doctors are dedicated professionals experienced in using the latest technology. From PinPointe FootLaser techniques to custom orthotics, we are an experienced and specialized team of doctors, Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACAS, Peter C Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., will give you our best in treatment and care. Please call us today at (520) 575-0800 to set up your appointment.
