Claw Foot Overview
Learn About Claw Foot
Claw foot is a deformity of the foot. The joint of the toe that is closest to the ankle is bent upward, and the other joints are bent downward. The toe looks like a claw.
Claw toes
Claw toes may be present at birth (congenital). The condition can also develop later in life because of other disorders (acquired). Claw toes may be caused by a nerve problem in the legs or a spinal cord problem or signs of arthritis. The cause is unknown in many cases.
Most of the time, claw toes are not harmful by themselves. Rarely, they may be the first sign of a more serious disease of the nervous system.
Claw toes may cause pain and lead to calluses on the top of the toe over the first joint, but may also be painless. The condition may create problems fitting into shoes.
Causes may include:
- Ankle fractures or surgery
- Cerebral palsy
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Other brain and nervous system disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Contact your health care provider if you think you may be getting claw toes.
The provider will do an exam to check for muscle, nerve, and spine problems. The physical exam will most likely include extra attention to the feet and hands. The provider will examine the flexibility of your toes and ankle.
You will be asked questions about your condition, such as:
- When did you first notice this?
- Did you have a previous injury?
- Is it getting worse?
- Does it affect both feet?
- Do you have other symptoms at the same time?
- Do you have any abnormal feelings or loss of feeling in your toes or feet?
- Do any other family members have the same condition?
The abnormal shape of the toe can increase pressure and cause calluses or ulcers on your toes. Fabric pads or sleeves that cover the top of your toes may help. You may need to wear special shoes to ease pressure. Claw toes can also be treated surgically.
Washington University
Jeremy Mccormick is a Podiatric Surgeon and a Sports Medicine provider in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Mccormick and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Claw Foot. His top areas of expertise are Clubfoot, Osteoarthritis, Claw Foot, Osteotomy, and Bone Graft. Dr. Mccormick is currently accepting new patients.
Springfield Clinic Llp
Benjamin Stevens is an Orthopedics specialist and a Podiatric Surgeon in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Stevens and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Claw Foot. His top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Flat Feet, Clubfoot, Osteoarthritis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Stevens is currently accepting new patients.
The Curators Of The University Of Missouri
Benjamin Summerhays is a Podiatric Medicine specialist and a Podiatric Surgeon in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. Summerhays and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Claw Foot. His top areas of expertise are Plantar Fasciitis, Fibromatosis, Ledderhose Disease, and Hammer Toe. Dr. Summerhays is currently accepting new patients.
Summary: In France, more than 110.000 patients are hospitalized for stroke per year. It is the leading cause of sudden disabilities in adults. Incidence of spastic foot is evaluated at 1 year post stroke from 18% to 56% of hemiplegic patients. Spasticity, defined as an increase in the velocity-dependent response to muscle stretch measured at rest, is part of the upper motor neuron syndrome and is character...
Summary: The main purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of flexor tenotomy on the prevention of recurrence of toe ulcers in people with diabetes and a history of toe ulceration. Additionally, the investigators aim to assess interphalangeal joints (IPJ) and metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) angles in a weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing position, bare-foot plantar pressure during walking and qua...
Published Date: April 24, 2023
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Grear BJ. Neurogenic disorders. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 87.
Murphy GA. Lesser toe abnormalities. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 84.