Claw toes can generally be treated in two different ways. A distinction must be made between conservative and surgical therapy. The conservative therapy includes all possibilities to treat the disease without surgical intervention. However, there is no healing, only an improvement of the symptoms. The claw toes can be healed by surgical measures.
Conservative therapy
A conservative therapy refers to a non-operative therapy. By using insoles, which are placed in the shoes, an attempt can be made to counteract the malpositioning of the toes and the shortening of the tendon. So-called night splints or traction bandages go even further, which should improve the shortening of the tendon through regular use.
Toe gymnastics can also help to improve the mobility of the toes and the associated musculature. In addition to conservative therapeutic measures, which aim to heal claw toes, there are also methods to improve the unpleasant symptoms that are usually associated with claw toes. So called corns (medically: Clavus) often develop due to the deformed feet, which can be improved by a specific foot care and relief measures of the shoes.
The conservative therapy of claw toes comes according to experience however very fast to its borders. As a rule, it is not possible to achieve a strong improvement of the symptoms or the underlying cause by conservative treatment alone, if the disease has passed a certain initial stage. Under certain circumstances, claw toes can be treated with a splint.
However, as with all other non-surgical procedures, this can only counteract further progression of the malpositioning. Once a claw toe is in place, it cannot be repaired by wearing a splint. There are different types of splints, which often have to be worn at night.
Regular use is intended to counteract a further shortening of vision, which is essentially responsible for the development of claw toes. As a bunion (hallux valgus) is often present at the same time, the use of a suitable splint can also be useful, as this also has a positive effect on the further development of claw toes. It is possible to equip these so-called Hallufix splints with a loop for the remaining toes.
If necessary, the necessity of an operation can be avoided or at least delayed in this way. Whether or not the use of a splint makes sense for the treatment of claw toes can be discussed with the general practitioner or the orthopedist, for example. Various splints are available, for example, in medical supply stores or drugstores.
In addition to bandages or tapes, inserts can also be used in the non-operative treatment of claw toes. Custom-made insoles for shoes are best suited. These contain a so-called perlotte.
This is a padded elevation which relieves and supports the toes. It is best to consult a medical supply store about insoles for the treatment of claw toes and possible alternatives. There, with the help of a footprint, a custom-made product can be made.
Insoles without individual fabrication are not recommended, as a good support function is not guaranteed and additional pressure points may occur. In general, the use of insoles for claw toes can only be expected to alleviate the symptoms such as pain. A reduction of the malformation cannot be achieved in this way.
In the non-surgical treatment of claw toes, taping with so-called traction bandages is an option. The adhesive strips are applied under traction from the back of the foot to the tip of the toe. It is best to have a trained person show you the correct taping procedure or have it done by one of them.
This is to counteract further shortening of the tendons and thus the deterioration of the toe malposition. This can reduce pain due to claw toes. If, however, taping and other non-surgical measures do not provide sufficient relief, the last resort is often a surgical procedure to correct the claw toes.Exercises and gymnastics can help both to prevent and prevent the deterioration of claw toes.
The simplest and least time-consuming option is to often walk barefoot. This is the best way to strengthen the foot muscles and thus maintain the natural shape of the feet and toes. An exception is made for people who suffer from diabetes (“diabetes”) and where there is already damage to the nerves in the foot (diabetic foot).
In such cases, frequent walking barefoot can lead to minor injuries that are overlooked. Special toe exercises can also counteract the development or deterioration of claw toes by improving the function of muscles and tendons. For example, an attempt can be made to grab marbles or a towel with the toes, hold them for a while, put them down and grab them again.
It can also be helpful to regularly loosen the toes passively with the hands and carefully bring them into their natural position. However, this should not be done against resistance in order not to cause injury. Exercises and gymnastics as well as walking barefoot should be performed on claw toes if possible. However, this will not correct a malposition once it has occurred. If necessary, however, complaints such as pain can be alleviated to such an extent that an operation is not necessary.
