Toes that are stuck in a bent position, or “crooked,” develop their deformities for a variety of reasons. It could be that your shoes are too tight, or that there’s too much pressure on the ball of your foot and it’s straining your toes. It’s also possible a preexisting condition like arthritis or other injuries, particularly to the nerves or tendons, influenced the problem. Ultimately toes develop these deformities when their tendons aren’t able to straighten your joints out again, and the digits become stuck.
These “crooked toes” go by a couple of different names depending on which joint is fixed: hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes. Hammertoes are a problem with the middle joint bending and getting stuck. Mallet toes are an issue with the last joint bending sharply down, so your digit looks like a mallet. Claw toes involve one or more of your digits curling under completely, so all the joints are at least slightly bent. If you’re struggling with these kinds of crooked toes, know that you do need treatment to eliminate the problem. Let Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Cherry Creek, Castle Pines, Aurora and Parker, CO, help you. Call (303) 805-5156 or use our website to reach us.
