What are claw toes?

See below: They are the buckling of the distal toe joint downward;.

Contracted Toes: A claw toe is when the toes #2, 3, 4 or 5 are plantar flexed. Which means contracted towards the floor. A claw toe is a hammertoe and a mallet toe combined. A hammertoe is a bend in the toe at the 1st joint in the toe, when the second joint (the one near the toenail) is also bent (the mallet part) it is known as a claw toe. An internet search for clawtoe diagram, will make it clear.

A type of hammertoe.: People can get hammertoes several different ways, including just an unlucky roll of the genetic dice, but the fundamental result is usually the same: a toe that has drawn back and no longer sits straight or "flat". Sometimes it's only a tendon that holds the toe in that position, other times there's arthritis involved: these tend to be more rigid, and require surgery if you want them corrected.

Several causes: A clawtoe is an abnormal contracture or a bending of the toe joints which results from a muscle or tendon imbalance due to the mechanical and structural changes in the foot that may occur over time. This can be hereditary or due to environmental factors such as tight shoes. This abnormal bending can lead to abnormal pressure distribution resulting in pain, swelling, blistering, and corns.