Claw toes

Claw toes are a toe deformity where the toes bend upward at the joint nearest the ball of the foot and curl downward at the middle and end joints — giving a "clawing" appearance. They often develop gradually and can affect one or more toes on either foot.

What are claw toes?

With claw toes, the toes grip and curl down at the tips, bend down in the middle, and lift up at the ball-of-the-foot joints. The tendons running along the top of the foot can become tight and retracted. In many cases, this clawing reflects the small muscles in the foot working overtime to stabilise the foot during walking and running, particularly where there is an underlying imbalance in foot mechanics.

What causes claw toes?

Claw toes can develop from a range of factors, often in combination:

• Muscle imbalances between the muscles that flex and extend the toes
• Nerve-related changes, including those associated with some health conditions
• Structural foot differences, such as a high-arched foot
• Arthritis affecting the small joints of the toes
• Ill-fitting footwear — shoes that are too short or narrow can crowd and curl the toes over time

These factors can place the tendons and ligaments out of balance, leading the toes to flex and curl. Common symptoms include rubbing and corns on top of the toes, pressure or callus under the ball of the foot, and discomfort in shoes.

How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and treat claw toes?

Yes — our podiatry team can help with claw toes. At our Tuggerah clinic, we begin with a thorough assessment of your foot structure, toe alignment, joint flexibility and the way you move. Because every one of our three registered podiatrists is also a certified running coach, we pay close attention to your gait to understand how foot mechanics may be contributing to the clawing.

From there, we develop a treatment plan matched to your needs and the severity of your condition. Care may include:

• Toe and foot mobilisation and stretching to maintain flexibility while the joints remain mobile
• Footwear guidance to give the toes adequate room and reduce pressure
• Custom orthotics, which at Blueprint are 3D scanned in a weightbearing position and 3D printed in-house, with patient-matched left and right devices, to help offload pressure and support foot function
• Padding and offloading to ease corns, callus and rubbing
• Additional in-clinic options where appropriate, such as shockwave therapy or dry needling

For advanced or rigid deformities, we can discuss options and provide a referral where surgical assessment may be warranted.

Can claw toes be corrected without surgery?

In many cases — particularly when the toes are still flexible — non-surgical care can help manage claw toes and ease associated symptoms. Stretching, mobilisation, properly fitted footwear and orthotic support may relieve discomfort and help limit further progression. The earlier claw toes are addressed, the more conservative the options tend to be.

When should I see a podiatrist?

It's worth booking an assessment if you notice your toes curling, develop corns or callus on or under the toes, feel pressure or pain in shoes, or find the toes becoming stiffer over time.

Related services

• Customised Orthotics
• Biomechanical Assessment