How to tell if you have claw toes or something else?

Read below: Claw toes are hammertoes that are also contracted at the joints behind the toes. Hammetoes are contracted toe at the middle area of the toes themselves. Usually claw toes will affect all of the lesser toes, while hammertoes can be 1 or more toes. If you have pain, this may be due to a neuroma or some other problem to the area. See your podiatrist for help with this condition.

See a podiatrist: An exam and possible x-ray will determine the problem.

Type of hammertoe.: People can get claw toes--a type of hammertoe--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.

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.