If you’ve ever felt like your toes were digging into the soles of your shoes, it could be due to a condition called claw toe. While you should speak with a podiatrist to fully understand your situation, it can help to have at least a basic understanding of this foot ailment. Here’s what you should know about claw toe, which can sometimes also be called claw foot or hammertoe.

Symptoms

Claw toe occurs when the toes bend abnormally. This most commonly occurs with the four smaller toes. Aside from noticing the bend visually, you may experience pressure on your toes while walking, along with corns or calluses on the bottom of the affected toes.

Causes

In most cases, this condition is caused by wearing shoes that are too tight. Squeezing the toes into uncomfortable shoes forces the muscles to bend and tighten for an extended period, which makes it harder to straighten them once the shoes are removed. However, claw toe can also be caused by underlying health conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes.

Treatment & Prevention

The best way to prevent claw toe is to avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. If you’re already experiencing symptoms, speak with a podiatrist to determine what treatment is best for you. In the early stages, where the toes are still flexible, they might recommend simply changing your footwear or adding supportive orthotics. In more advanced cases, you may need to perform exercises that strengthen the toe muscles, and in very severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you’re worried about claw toe, contact High Point Foot Center in North Carolina to discuss your options. This podiatrist has more than 17 years of experience helping patients with a variety of foot issues, from toe fungus to diabetic foot care. The whole staff is dedicated to creating a comfortable environment and positive experience for patients throughout the local area. Visit the center’s website to see a full list of services, or call (336) 882-2070 to request an appointment.