Claw Toes: Causes, Stages, Treatment & Prevention

What are claw toes?

Claw toes, as the name implies, are toes bent into an abnormal claw-like shape. The condition usually happens to the four smaller toes of your foot and it’s the middle and end joints (the joints furthest away from your ankle) that buckle.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Claw toes are often associated with a high arched (cavus) foot type, muscle imbalances or occasionally a neurological condition. Ulcers may develop in people with diabetes because of decreased foot sensitivity.

If you don’t get treatment for your claw toes, they may become permanently stiff.

Are claw toes painful? What causes the pain?

Claw toes can cause pain because your toes get pushed down into the soles of your shoes. Corns or calluses may result from the pressure and rubbing on the bottom of the shoe or on the top of the toes. Rarely, infections may occur.

What are the stages of claw toes?

There are two stages:

• Flexible: This is the early stage. Your toes still flex at the joints, although they’re stiff.
• Rigid: This is the late stage where your toes are stuck, unmoving.

Surgery is most effective during the flexible stage.

What’s the difference between claw toes and hammertoes?

Hammertoes are caused by weak muscles. Also, a hammertoe is bent just in the second (middle) toe joint.

What’s the difference between claw toes and mallet toes?

Claw toes have bent middle and end joints while a mallet toe is a bend in just the last joint.

Who is likely to get claw toes?

People with high arches, or those who tend to rotate their feet inward while walking, are susceptible to toe deformities.

Are claw toes hereditary?

Yes, toe deformities can be inherited.