Claw toe is a deformity where the toes curl into a claw-like shape due to an imbalance in the muscles and tendons responsible for straightening the toes. The condition often causes the toes to bend upward at the joint closest to the foot and then sharply downward at the middle and third joints, leading to discomfort and the formation of painful calluses. Common causes include nerve damage, foot or ankle trauma, and conditions like diabetes or arthritis. If left untreated, claw toe can worsen over time, making early intervention important. A podiatrist can help manage claw toe by recommending non-invasive treatments such as custom orthotics, toe exercises, and footwear adjustments that provide more room for the toes. In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct the deformity. If you notice a deformity in your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.