I have clawed or curly toes

Some people are born with clawed or curly toes while others develop them. In some children, clawed toes occur when the tendons underneath attaching to the tip are a little too tight. With growth, the toes often straighten spontaneously. If they do not and they either develop soreness at the tips of the toes or the curled posture is severe, you should seek advice. You should also seek advice if a child's normal toes become curled during growth – especially if the arches become deep and walking is affected. This is because abnormalities in the nerves of the spine are a rare but important cause.

Normal toes can become clawed later in life. Lifelong wearing of shoes which are too short can cause it, but this is probably blamed too often. The commonest cause is excessive pressure beneath the ball of the foot under the base of the second and third toes (metatarsal overload syndrome) because the big toe is not taking its fair share of weight (hallux valgus). This pressure feels as though there are pebbles under the ball of the foot. The joints at the root of the toes become sore and swollen then the toes lift and curl. The toes usually take months or years to claw but it can happen over a couple of days’ heavy walking. As always, for treatment to be successful, the underlying cause must be identified and addressed.

 

The following list is a summary of some symptoms you may have. For full assessment and treatment of your particular problems, please contact us.

I have...

• suffered a sporting injury.

• a painful bump on the side of my big toe.

• pain and/or a lump in my heel.

• an ankle injury that's not improving.

• a weak ankle.

• ankle pain and/or stiffness.

• flat arches or a collapsed foot.

• painful toes.

• pain in the ball of my foot.

• an in-growing toenail.

• a stiff or painful big toe joint.

• pain and/or stiffness in the midfoot.

• clawed or curly toes.

• pain in my forefoot.

• pains in my shin.

• a lump on my foot.