Definition of Claw foot:

Claw foot is a deformity of the toes in which the toe joint nearest the foot is bent upward and the other toe joints are bent downward. The toe looks like a claw.

See also: Claw hand

Considerations:

Claw toes can be something that a child is born with (congenital), or it can develop later in life because of other disorders (acquired). Claw toes may be caused by a problem with the nerves in the leg or from a spinal cord problem. Many cases have an unknown cause.

Claw toes are not usually dangerous, but they may be the first sign of a more serious disease of the nervous system.

Patients may notice pain and calluses forming on the top of the toe over the first joint, but the problem may also be painless. There may be problems wearing shoes.

Common Causes:

• Ankle fractures or surgery
• Cerebral palsy
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
• Other brain and nervous system disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis