Treatment of Claw Toes and Hammer Toes
Hammer toes and claw toes are common foot deformities characterized by abnormal flexion of the toes, causing pain, pressure from footwear, and difficulty walking normally. These conditions can develop due to muscle imbalances, prolonged use of narrow footwear, associated deformities such as Hallux Valgus, or hereditary factors.
Although often confused, both deformities differ in the affected joint and their progression. At Pie Vital we perform a clinical assessment to determine the degree of rigidity, the cause of the deformity, and the most appropriate treatment, with the aim of relieving pain, improving function, and preventing progression.
When detected in early stages, they can be managed with conservative measures such as silicone orthoses or footwear modifications. In advanced stages, when rigidity or persistent pain appears, surgical treatment may be necessary to correct the deformity.
Diagnosis of the Deformity
Includes custom silicone orthoses, digital correctors, footwear adaptation, and measures to reduce pressure.
Conservative Treatment
Includes offloading protocols, exercises, physiotherapy, custom insoles, and recommendations to reduce tension on the fascia.
Surgical Treatment
In rigid or painful deformities, surgery may be indicated to correct the toe position and improve function.
Clinical Management of Digital Deformities
Treatment of claw and hammer toes depends on the degree of deformity and its cause. Early correction allows pressure relief and prevents complications such as pain, calluses, or joint stiffness, while in advanced stages surgical correction may be necessary.
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions about claw and hammer toes
What are hammer toes and claw toes?
They are digital deformities in which the toes adopt an abnormally flexed position. In hammer toe, the flexion primarily affects one joint, while in claw toes the deformity usually involves several joints of the toe.
Why do these deformities appear?
They can develop due to muscle imbalances, prolonged use of narrow footwear, associated deformities such as Hallux Valgus, trauma, or hereditary factors that influence foot structure.
What is the difference between hammer toe and claw toe?
Hammer toe usually affects a single toe, typically the second, with flexion at the middle joint. In claw toes, the deformity affects several joints and usually involves multiple lesser toes.
What symptoms do claw or hammer toes produce?
Pain when walking, pressure from footwear, appearance of calluses, difficulty wearing certain shoes, and progressive toe stiffness.
Can they be treated without surgery?
In early stages yes, through silicone orthoses, footwear adaptation, and measures to reduce pressure and improve toe position.
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery is considered when the deformity is rigid, pain persists, or conservative measures are not sufficient to improve function.
Can the deformity worsen over time?
Yes, if left untreated it can progress to joint stiffness, increased pain, and greater difficulty wearing footwear.
Can these deformities be prevented?
The use of appropriate footwear, early treatment of associated deformities, and biomechanical correction help reduce the risk of progression.
Specialized team
Specialists in digital deformities
Dr. Sara Benamar
Laura González
Dr. Rocío Fernández
Dr. María Rodríguez
