Curly Toes – Deformities

Curly toes, also known as “hammer toes” or “claw toes,” refer to a condition where one or more toes curl or bend abnormally. This can happen due to imbalances in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that hold the toe straight. Here are some common causes and factors associated with curly toes:

Ηammer Τoe

In the hammer toe, the joint between the proximal and middle phalanx is in flexion, while the joint between the middle phalanx and the nail is in extension.

Μallet Τoe

In the mallet toe, the joint between the proximal and middle phalanx is in full extension, while the joint between the middle phalanx and the nail is in flexion.

Claw Toe

In the claw toe, both the proximal phalangeal joint and the distal phalangeal joint are in strong flexion, thus combining the deformity of the hammer toe and the phalangeal joint.

Crossover toes

The toe crosses over the neighboring toe, often due to arthritis or weakening of the ligaments.

Causes

– Genetics: Some people are born with a tendency for their toes to curl due to inherited foot structure.
– Footwear: Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, especially those with a narrow toe box, can lead to or worsen toe curling.
– Muscle Imbalances: Muscle weakness or imbalance in the foot can cause the toes to pull in different directions, leading to curling.

– Arthritis: Joint inflammation, especially in the toes, can cause deformities and curling over time.
– Nerve Disorders: Conditions that affect the nerves, such as stroke or peripheral neuropathy, can lead to muscle weakness or changes in toe alignment.
– Injury: Trauma to the foot or toe can lead to changes in the alignment of the toes.

Treatment

Treatment options include wearing properly fitting shoes, using orthotics,

performing exercises to strengthen and stretch the toes, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.

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