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Claw toes

Claw toes can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle imbalances, nerve damage, structural abnormalities, arthritis, or wearing ill-fitting footwear

Claw toes

Claw toes are a result of the toes clawing and gripping down at the tips, they are bent down in the middle and up from the ball of the foot joints along with retracted tendons on the top of the foot. Claw toes and tight tendons can be a symptom of the muscles in the foot working hard to try to stabilise the feet during gait due to unbalanced foot mechanics.

What causes claw toes?

Claw toes can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle imbalances, nerve damage, structural abnormalities, arthritis, or wearing ill-fitting footwear. These factors can lead to the tendons and ligaments in the toes becoming imbalanced, resulting in the toes becoming flexed or curled.

Can Blueprint Podiatry help with claw toes?

Yes, Blueprint Podiatry can help with claw toes. Our experienced podiatrists can assess your foot structure and toe alignment to determine the underlying cause of the claw toes. Based on the assessment, we can develop a customised treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and address the root cause. Treatment options may include stretching exercises, orthotic devices, footwear modifications, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

Can claw toes be corrected without surgery?

In many cases (depending on the severity), non-surgical interventions can help manage claw toes and alleviate associated symptoms. Stretching exercises, physical therapy, and wearing properly fitted footwear with adequate toe room can help relieve discomfort and prevent further progression of the deformity. Orthotic devices with modifications to the forefoot area may also be recommended to help reduce the severity while in footwear.

Is surgery necessary for claw toes?

Surgery may be considered for severe cases of claw toes that do not respond to conservative treatments or if the deformity causes significant pain or functional limitations. Surgical procedures aim to correct the underlying structural issues, realign the toes, and restore proper function. Our podiatrists can evaluate your specific condition and provide recommendations on the most appropriate treatment approach for your claw toes.

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