Hammer toes and claw toes: malalignments with unpleasant symptoms

As one of the most common malalignments of the toes, the presentation of hammer and claw toes is not only a nuisance in everyday life, but is often painful as well. Fortunately, there are various methods to alleviate the symptoms. Read on to find out exactly what the diagnosis of hammer and claw toes entails, what is due to it and how they can be prevented.

Definition and symptoms of hammer and claw toes

Hammer toes and claw toes fall into the category of toe deformities. The two terms should be considered separately. However, the symptoms are fundamentally similar. Typical signs and accompanying symptoms of these conditions include:

• Curved toes
• Painful pressure points
• Calluses that are reinforced
• Open sores caused by friction
• Health problems due to incorrect weight distribution on the feet

As the condition progresses, the joints lose their mobility – becoming deformed and, in extreme cases, stiffening.

When do we talk about hammer toes?

A hammer toe is recognisable by a severely bent toe joint. The term derives from the fact that the toe bone points towards the base, much like a hammer. In the worst cases, the malalignment – which usually affects the second toe – can lead to several toes having taken on overlapping shapes.

When do we talk about claw toes?

In a claw toe, the bending is found in the middle and distal joints of the toe, resulting in a deformity that prevents the tip of the toe from touching the base. The hyperextension affects the metatarsophalangeal joint. The second, third and/or fourth toes are frequently affected.

Causes and treatment options

Hammer toes and claw toes are not congenital conditions. Rather, they are caused by factors associated with everyday life and a lack of attention to one’s own foot health.

Cause number 1: unsuitable footwear

High-heeled shoes may enhance an outfit, but in the long run they prove detrimental to the health of the foot. Wearing shoes that are fundamentally too small and/or too tight is considered at least as harmful.

In addition, the symptoms can often be due to different types of toe deformities. For example, flat feet, fallen arches and splay feet can in some cases trigger hammer toes and claw toes. Accidents or neurological presentations may also be responsible.

In most cases, only surgery provides a complete remedy

If the presentation is at an advanced stage, corrective surgery is unavoidable. At this stage, it is impossible for the malalignment to resolve itself without appropriate intervention.

However, if action is taken when the first signs of a hammer toe or claw toe appear, there is certainly a chance of successful conservative treatment. Ensuring that more space is available in the shoes proves to be highly helpful. In addition, protection for hammer toes and claw toes in the shape of toe protection rings, hammer toe pads, toe caps and sleeves, along with other pressure protection, can help prevent the condition from worsening further.

Prevention is easier than cure

For those who frequently have foot problems, we recommend the use of insoles, ideally produced on an individual basis for the patient and their footwear. Even if it is not always possible: to prevent the development of hammer toes and claw toes, it is important to avoid wearing shoes as often as possible and walk barefoot.

Most crucially, however, you should only choose shoes that are of high quality and neither too small nor too tight. This does not mean that you are not allowed to wear high heels on special occasions. In the long run, however, your footwear should not pose a risk to the health of your feet.

Attentive and regular podiatry and/or podiatric treatment are also key to preventing hammer toes and claw toes. You can provide this expert care to your patients at any time – by furnishing your practice with high-quality products from HELLMUT RUCK.