Clinical features

If left untreated, claw toes and hammertoes can become serious fixed deformities. In many cases, the inside of the shoe rubs against the bent toe joints, gradually causing calluses to form on the tops of the toes. The metatarsal heads support the body weight and pressure calluses and open sores (ulcer) can develop on the sole of the foot. When deformities reach this stage, the toes are fixed in a bent position and cannot be easily straightened. For this reason, it is important to obtain treatment for claw toes and hammertoes when they first begin to develop, before they become fixed.