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Claw foot
Claw toes
Claw foot is a deformity of the foot. The toe joint nearest the ankle is bent upward and the other toe joints are bent downward. The toe looks like a claw.
Considerations
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. The cause is unknown in many cases.
Most of the time, claw toes are not harmful in themselves. 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 wearing shoes.
Causes
Causes may include:
- Ankle fractures or surgery
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Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy
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Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you think you may be getting claw toes.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The health care 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.
Exam
During a physical examination, a health care provider studies your body to determine if you do or do not have a physical problem. A physical examinat...
You will be asked questions about your condition, such as:
- When did you first notice this?
- Is it getting worse?
- Does it affect both feet?
- Do you have other symptoms at the same time?
- Do you have any abnormal feelings in your 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. You may need to wear special shoes to ease pressure. Claw toes can also be treated surgically.
Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin. They are caused by repeated pressure or friction at the spot where the corn or callus develops....
References
Murphy AG. Lesser toe abnormalities. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 83.
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Claw foot - illustration
Claw toe is a deformity of the foot in which the toes are pointed down and the arch is high, making the foot appear claw-like. Claw toe can be a condition from birth or develop as a consequence from other disorders.
Claw foot
illustration
Review Date: 3/5/2015
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
