Question 1

are there treatment guidelines for claw toe?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Claw toes or hammertoes are deformities of the toes due to an imbalance of muscles and tendons of the foot. Initially symptoms may be mild and the contracture of the toe is flexible. If left untreated the deformity can progress to a fixed deformity that is stiff and inflexible. Surgery often involved arthroplasty (removal of the joint) or fusion (arthrodesis) of the joint.

Question 2

do you have to break toes to fix a claw toe?

Accepted Answer

No: Clawing usually from joint deformity you have to striating the joint somehow, one of them to break the clawing by taking part of the bone.

Question 3

i have severe claw toe, doctors want to amputate it. is this necessary?

Accepted Answer

If it is not : Infected then it is not necessary to amputate. I would seek a second opinoin.

Question 4

will i need to learn crutches when recovering from a claw toe operation?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Crutches are not usually required but if your surgeon recommends them then you will be instructed on use.

Question 5

second toes (longer than big toe) both slightly curved towards smaller toes not hammertoe or claw toe?

Accepted Answer

2nd toes: This can be normal and they usually curve because of pressure from shoes. If the are painful i would see a podiatrist.

Question 6

what sort of disease is a claw toe?

Accepted Answer

Deformity of the toe: Your toes are bent upward (extension) from the joints at the ball of the foot. 
Your toes are bent downward (flexion) at the middle joints toward the sole of your shoe. 
Sometimes your toes also bend downward at the top joints, curling under the foot. 
Corns may develop over the top of the toe or under the ball of the foot.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: claw toe?

Accepted Answer

Contraction of toe: There are three joints in each toe 2 thru 5. The joints are; MPJ, PIP J, and the DI PJ. A claw toe is a fixed contraction at the DIPJ. The MPJ (metatarsal phalangeal joint) is the joints close to the ball of the foot at the base of the toe. The joint at the middle of the toe is the PIPJ (proximal interphalangeal joint), The joint toward the end of the toe is the DIPJ (distal interphalangeal joint)

Question 8

what are the causes of hammer toe/claw toe?

Accepted Answer

Irritation : Tightness of the tedons to the toes and rubbing and irritation to the joints cause the joints to enlarge and the toe will  contract and not straighten causing a hammer toe.

Question 9

is it ok to leave a claw toe without surgical correction?

Accepted Answer

No: If you leave it  will get worse and more difficulty with it?

Question 10

are there other options besides amputation for a claw toe?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Most people would choose to correct it.  Amputation is reserved for low demand patients who want a short healing time and do not want to deal with the recovery process of hammertoe/claw toe surgery.

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Doctor answers about:

Over the counter treatment for claw toe

A member asked:

Are there treatment guidelines for claw toe?

A member asked:

Do you have to break toes to fix a claw toe?

A member asked:

I have severe claw toe, doctors want to amputate it. is this necessary?

A member asked:

Will i need to learn crutches when recovering from a claw toe operation?

A member asked:

Second toes (longer than big toe) both slightly curved towards smaller toes not hammertoe or claw toe?

A member asked:

What sort of disease is a claw toe?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: claw toe?

A member asked:

What are the causes of hammer toe/claw toe?

A member asked:

Is it ok to leave a claw toe without surgical correction?

A member asked:

Are there other options besides amputation for a claw toe?

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