Treatments for Claw Foot

Claw foot is a deformity that occurs when your toes bend down into the shape of a claw. This usually affects all four of the smaller toes and may be an inherited deformity or may be caused by an imbalance in your toe muscles and tendons that occurs later in life. Poorly fitted shoes are usually the main cause of claw foot and the condition is more likely to occur in women who wear high heeled shoes, but the actual cause is not fully understood.

Even though claw toe or claw foot is often painless for most individuals, others may experience complications from painful skin conditions like calluses, corns, and ulcers. Interestingly, a condition known as hammertoe that causes a similar bending of the toes is created by a totally different imbalance of toe muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Clawfoot Treatments

Claw toes that are still flexible may be partially straightened out with these two treatments:

1. Supportive and properly fitted shoes—Choose shoes with enough room in the toe box area and that have lower heel cups to make room for moleskin and other cushioning devices which will help prevent and relieve the pain of corns that may grow on the tops of claw toes.
2. Exercises to increase strength and flexibility—Picking up small objects like marbles or pebbles with your toes is a excellent way to increase strength and maintain flexibility.

If non-invasive treatments are not bringing you relief, it may be necessary to have rigid claw toes straightened surgically by your podiatrist. At E.J. Nemet Podiatry in Twinsburg,  E.J. Nemet, DPM, treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions including sports injuries, pediatric foot problems, diabetic foot complications, nerve disorders, and toenail and skin conditions.With advanced technologies and a dedicated staff, Dr. Nemet provides expert and compassionate care to patients in the Twinsburg and Beachwood areas. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, please call (234) 212-9940.