Definition
Curly or retracted toes are toes where middle and end joints contracted which can cause severe pressure and pain. Except the big toe, curly or retracted toe can happen to all other toes. Tightened ligaments and tendons can cause toes to curl. Curly or retracted toe problems are referred to mobility of the toe joints. If the curl is flexible the joint has the ability to move on the other hand if it is rigid movement is very limited and often extremely painful. This may cause restricted foot movement and possibly causing pain and the development corn and calluses.
Cause
Claw toes result from a muscle imbalance which causes the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. This results in the joints curling downwards.
Arthritis can also lead to many different forefoot deformities, including curly or retracted toes.
Treatment & Prevention
Changing the type of footwear worn is a very important step in the treatment of claw toes. When choosing a shoe, make sure the toe box (toe area) is high and broad, and can accommodate the claw toes. A shoe with a high, broad toe box will provide enough room in the forefoot area so that there is less friction against the toes.
Other conservative treatments include using forefoot products designed to relieve claw toes, such as toe crests and hammer toe splints. These devices will help hold down the claw toe and provide relief to the forefoot.
Gel toe shields and gel toe caps are also recommended to eliminate friction between the shoe and the toe, while providing comfort and lubrication.
