A 65-year-old member asked:
What causes toes to lock?
5 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Randy Lischanswered
Podiatry 40 years experience
Arthritis: Typically toes will lock due to arthritis or inflammation of the joints. Anti-inflammatories may be helpful such as advil, (ibuprofen) if not try ben gay or something similar to help with this condition. Make sure that your shoes are not to short.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Eric Lulloveanswered
Podiatry 21 years experience
Locking toes?: If you are referring to toes that lock and curl, they are referred to as hammertoes or clawtoes. This is an abnormal compensation for pronation of the foot against the ground, which causes the toes to "grab" the ground. This is a progressive slow orthopedic problem that can cause callouses and ulcers to the top of the toes over time. Seek a local podiatrist for an x-ray evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alan Ettingeranswered
Podiatry 51 years experience
Cramps: I would suggest you discuss this with your family doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ashley Vanderloopanswered
Podiatry 11 years experience
Locking: of toes is commonly from patients being dehydrated... if there is cramping associated the flexor/extensor tendons may be affected. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily as well as maintain proper nutrition.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Scott Keithanswered
Podiatry 46 years experience
Tenosynovitis: The ability of the toe to move through it's range of motion is ultimately guided by the muscle attachment to the toe via the tendon. The tendon, especially the flexor tendons, slide smoothly in a synovial sheath. When the sheath and/or tendon becomes inflamed, the smooth gliding is replaced by a jerky ratcheting. Eventually the tightness of the sheath locks the digit up so movement is difficult.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 10, 2020
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