What is Claw Toe?

14 July 2015 | John

Claw toe, put simply, is when one or more of the lesser toes (toes which aren’t the big toe) is stuck in a position that resembles a claw. It is one of several lesser toe deformities and happens when the first toe joint (the one connecting the toe to the foot) points upwards, and the other two joints of the toe point downwards.

Claw Toe causes your toes to dig down into the sole of your shoe, which can make it difficult to fit your foot into shoes comfortably.

What are the Symptoms of Claw Toe?

The main and most obvious symptom of claw toe is the clawing of the toe mentioned above; however this can cause other problems. For one, the toe digging into the sole of your shoe can cause it to develop calluses on it because of the friction and pressure and you can also develop corns on the top of the toe.

Claw toe can also be painful, and in some cases can make it difficult to walk by altering your balance. While claw toe can affect toes individually, it is more common for all the lesser toes to claw at once.

What are the Causes of Claw Toe?

The most commonly pointed-to cause of claw toe is wearing shoes which do not fit correctly. High heels are a notorious culprit for this; they constrict the toes and if held in such an unnatural position for too long they can cause the muscles to constrict and the tendons to shorten. It’s actually theorised that high heels are the reason women are more likely to get claw toe than men.

However, claw toe aren’t only caused by bad footwear. It can also be a result of an underlying condition such as arthritis or diabetes, and can also come about as a result of a high arch.

How Can Shoe Insoles Help with Claw Toe?

One of the ways a shoe insole can help with claw toe is that it can help reduce the pain. By providing a cushion for the toe, it can reduce the chance of a callus forming on the bottom of the toe. Similarly, by more evenly distributing the pressure on the foot and absorbing shocks, a shoe insole can help take pressure off the claw toe, making the toe itself less painful.

Beyond shoe insoles, a toe cushion or toe protector can prevent the claw toe from being irritated, and a corn pad on the affected toe or toes can reduce the chance of a corn forming on the top of the toe from rubbing against the inside of your shoe.

If you are interested in a shoe insole or other product to help with your claw toe, feel free to visit Shoe Insoles and check out our range of Insoles for Claw Toe.