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Claw toes

Toe malposition of the toe middle joint

Claw to es is the name given to one of two common forms of toe deformities. Toe deformities are divided into claw toe and hammer toe. In claw toe, the toe medial joint is bent downward in a claw-like manner and extended upward in the metatarsophalangeal joint. In the case of hammer toe, it is exactly the opposite. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious consequences, which is why you should consider an appointment with an experienced orthopedist and podiatrist such as our Dr. med. Meinhard Balensiefen if you have changes in shape or foot complaints.

Learn basic information about claw toes and toe deformities and learn about causes and treatment options on our website. However, we will be happy to assist you personally. Make an appointment at the Orthopedic Center Munich East (OZMO) to initiate prompt treatment for claw toes.

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Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost - Fuß - Erkrankungen

Table of Contents:

What is a claw toe?

Symptoms of claw toes
Causes of claw toes

Diagnostics for claw toes and toe deformities
Treatment of claw toes
Your examination appointment for claw toes at the Orthopedic Center Munich East (OZMO)

What is a claw toe?

Claw toes, along with hammertoes, are common toe deformities that have different causes. Claw toe occurs primarily on the small toes and is related to a curvature caused by tendon damage, which manifests as pathological hyperextension from the metatarsophalangeal joint of the toe as well as increased flexion at the terminal and middle joints of the toe.

The toe is therefore no longer extended in the resting state, but remains curved like a claw, while the extension cannot be converted or can only be converted slightly. The claw toe is rarely congenital. Moreover, it rarely occurs alone, but arises in a direct connection with comprehensive foot deformities, for example hallux valgus, splayfoot, bent foot or flat foot.

Symptoms of claw toes

The main symptom of claw toes is the claw-like deformation of the small toes, which are also clearly visible, depending on the degree of deformity. This changes the shape of the foot and impedes the movement of the foot during classic rolling.

Accordingly, the following symptoms are typical for pronounced toe malpositions:

painful overuse syndromes of the foot muscles and tendons
Pain at the top of the toe joints, which can become inflamed
Aesthetic impairments due to the widening of the forefoot
painful changes in the area of the metatarsal heads on the sole of the foot with formation of calluses on the forefoot sole

Wearing normal shoes can interfere with everyday life due to the deformation. Pressure points and corns in exposed areas develop and can cause further pain and inflammation.

Causes of claw toes

The causes of claw toes are very narrowed down. Hereditary predisposition is one of the possible causes, as is obesity. However, it is much more common for claw toes to develop as a result of constantly wearing shoes that are too tight and orthopedically unsuitable (“high heels”). In rarer cases, the complaints are caused by accidents or due to neurological disorders.

Most often, toe malpositions occur together with a splayfoot or hallux valgus. The transverse arch of the foot is lowered, which changes the direction of pull of the foot muscles and tendons. Thus, the tendon structure takes long-term damage, which entails the claw toe.

Diagnostics for claw toes and toe deformities

For the diagnosis of claw toe, a detailed history is taken by the treating orthopedist, which is combined with a clinical examination of the foot. Movement tests are used to determine specific causes for the complaints and a differential diagnosis is carried out as well as the investigation of further health problems in the foot and toes. Imaging techniques are used via X-ray, ultrasound examinations or, if necessary, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to determine possible diseases, malpositions and the condition of the tendons and muscles in the affected toes.

Through careful diagnostics, the experienced orthopedist can subsequently not only diagnose claw toe and other foot deformities such as hallux valgus or splayfoot and flatfoot, but also identify the specific stage of the disease. Based on this, the orthopedist will then suggest an individually appropriate treatment, which, depending on the severity of the claw toes, can range from conservative measures to targeted surgery.

Treatment of claw toes

The appropriate treatment of claw toe depends on the stage of the disease. If the deformity has not yet stiffened, conservative treatments without surgery can often bring about improvement by compensating for the underlying foot deformity. If orthopedically unsuitable shoes are one of the main causes of claw toe, they should be consistently avoided in the future. Conservative measures may include orthopedic inserts, bridle bandages, inter-toe orthoses, or night splints, combined with physical therapy treatments, such as toe exercises.

If the results of conservative treatment remain unsatisfactory or if the stage of claw toes is already too advanced, claw toes can be treated surgically for foot pain or for cosmetic reasons. In such an operation, partial removal of the malpositioned joint may be necessary. Lengthening the shortened extensor tendon, stabilization with stabilizing wires, or stiffening the affected toe joints (e.g., PIP or MTP arthrodesis) may also be appropriate choices. However, since the ultimately best treatment always depends on individual aspects, consultation before treatment is essential for success. Our experienced orthopedic specialist and podiatrist, Dr. Meinhard Balensiefen, can provide you with the best and most experienced advice on the treatment that fits your claw toe situation.

Your examination appointment for claw toes at the Orthopaedic Center Munich East (OZMO)

Have you noticed deformities on your toes that make their little toes look claw-like? Do you have pain and restricted movement in your foot associated with stiff and deformed toes? Contact our team promptly from the discovery of the changes in the foot and make your appointment for an examination of claw toes at the Orthopedic Center Munich East (OZMO). The earlier the diagnosis of claw toe is made, the more targeted the successful treatment can be initiated by our specialists. Call us or write us a message when we can welcome you at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost.

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