Foot Specialists in Plano: Hammertoes vs. Claw Toe

On a daily basis, your feet do a lot of work carrying you from place to place! Your body weight exerts a lot of force on the bones and tendons in your feet as you walk and this can be the source of foot problems. If your shoes don’t fit properly, issues such as hammertoes and claw toes can develop. Our foot specialists in Plano explain more here.

Hammertoes vs. Claw Toes

Both hammertoes and claw toes cause unsightly and painful curving of the toes. These conditions generally do not affect the big toe, only the smaller toes. Left untreated, the problem will get worse and can lead to calluses and corns on the areas of the toe that meet friction inside the shoe. However, the resulting deformities are different:

Hammertoes curve at the middle joint, forcing the toe downwards. They can be accompanied by bunions.
Claw toes usually affect multiple toes at once, curving at the joint where the toes meet the foot. Claw toes are bent upwards at the first joint and downwards at the middle joint.

Both hammertoes and claw toes can cause pain, bunions, calluses, and even issues with gait. Over time, it can become difficult to find shoes that fit properly.

Causes

Hammertoes and claw toes are usually caused by wearing shoes that are too small, too narrow, or too short. They can also result from wearing high heels, as the toes are pushed forward into an awkward bent position that can damage the toe joints. Over time, the tendons shorten, making it impossible for the toe muscles to straighten when shoes are removed.

Treatments

After our podiatrist diagnoses your condition, we will recommend the best treatment for you. This generally starts with adjusting your footwear, wearing cushions around your toes, and taking care of calluses or corns. If conservative treatments don’t resolve the problem, surgery to reposition the joint and straighten the toe may be recommended.

Contact Our Foot Specialists in Plano To Learn More Today!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Plano, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.