Claw Foot Disorder

Claw foot disorder is a deformity in which the toes are permanently bent, taking on the appearance of claws. In severe cases, claw foot disorder requires surgery to correct.

Fact

• Claw foot disorder affects the toes' proximal interphalangeal joints, or the middle joints, and the metatarsophalangeal joints, which are the joints closest the foot.

Identification

• In claw foot disorder, the metatarsophalangeal joints are bent upwards, while the interphalangeal joints are bent downwards.

Causes

• Claw foot disorder may be congenital or it may be acquired due to a spinal cord disorder or problems with the nervous system, particularly the nerves in the legs and feet.

Considerations

• Claw foot disorder may be an early sign of such serious conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cerebral palsy.

Effects

• Claw foot disorder can lead to pain, calluses and ulcers of the feet and toes. As a result, walking may become difficult.

Treatment

• Special shoes can be worn to help ease claw foot disorder, while surgery may be required to treat severe cases.