Hammer toe or claw toe

Overview

Hammer toe bends at the middle joint. Claw toe bends at both joints. Tight shoes and muscle imbalance cause them.

Corns often form on top where the toe rubs.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Bent toe
• Foot pain

Less common

• Corns

Look up a symptom: Foot pain · Thick, hard skin or a painful spot on the feet

When to get medical care

Causes

Shoes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women
• Diabetes

Diagnosis

A clinician examines.

Treatment

Give toes room.

Self-care

• Wear shoes with a deep toe box
• Use pads
• Do toe stretches
• Use toe pads

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Wear shoes with roomy toes

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with diabetes: Check toes for sores.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Flexible toes respond well to shoes and pads.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Would surgery help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hammer toe or claw toe