Are there treatment guidelines for claw toe?

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.

Yes: You may be able to find the answer by going to the website for the american college of foot and ankle surgeons or the site for the american board of podiatric surgery.

No: There are no official guidelines. Conservative treatments include splinting and shoes that accomodate the deformity. More severe or painful deformities may benefit from surgery but there are no defined guidelines.

Yes surgery: If your toe is painful , protective pads or surgery may be indicated. Consult a podiatrist.