Claw Toe and Mallet Toe

What They Are and How to Recognize the Signs

Do your toes look curled or feel stiff when walking? Are you experiencing rubbing, irritation, or pressure on the tops of your toes or under the ball of your foot? You may be dealing with a toe deformity, such as claw toe or mallet toe—two common conditions that affect the small joints of the foot.

At Best Foot Doctor NY, we frequently help patients in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan identify and manage these conditions before they interfere with daily activities. If you’re unsure which condition you have—or whether your toe symptoms are normal—this guide will help you learn the difference and know when it’s time to seek podiatric care.

What Are Claw Toe and Mallet Toe?

Both claw toe and mallet toe are types of digital deformities, meaning they affect the shape and structure of your lesser toes (typically the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toes). They develop when there is an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or joints that control toe movement.

Claw Toe causes the toe to bend in two places:

• The joint at the base of the toe (MTP joint) bends upward
• The middle and end joints bend downward
  This gives the toe a claw-like appearance.
  

Mallet Toe affects only the last joint of the toe (the DIP joint), causing the tip of the toe to point downward while the rest remains straight.

While these conditions may look similar, they affect different parts of the toe and often have different causes and levels of severity.

What Causes These Toe Deformities?

These conditions develop over time due to changes in how the foot muscles and tendons function. Several underlying causes may be responsible.

Footwear

• Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes push the toes into abnormal positions
• Chronic pressure leads to muscle imbalance and joint contracture
  

Nerve Damage or Muscle Weakness

• Conditions like diabetes, stroke, or alcoholism can affect nerve signals to the foot
• Weakened muscles lose their ability to keep the toe straight
  

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can damage toe joints
• Joint erosion leads to bending and instability
  

Trauma

• Injuries to the toe can disrupt the structure of tendons and joints
• Prior fractures may alter toe alignment
  

High Arches or Imbalanced Foot Mechanics

• Structural issues in the foot can shift pressure toward the toes during walking
• This triggers long-term stress on the tendons
  

Over time, the toe can change from flexible (able to be straightened manually) to rigid (permanently bent), making early diagnosis essential.

Symptoms of Claw Toe and Mallet Toe

Patients often notice toe deformities slowly. It may begin with discomfort in shoes or during activity, followed by visible changes in the toe’s appearance.

Common signs include:

• Toes that curl downward at one or more joints
• Corns or calluses on the top or tip of the toe
• Pain or irritation when wearing shoes
• Redness, swelling, or friction at pressure points
• Difficulty straightening the toe
• Feeling of instability while walking or standing
• Discomfort under the ball of the foot
  

Some patients first notice symptoms while walking longer distances, commuting in NYC, or wearing dress shoes for extended periods. Others may not realize they have a deformity until the toe becomes stiff or painful.

What’s the Difference Between Claw Toe, Mallet Toe, and Hammertoe?

These toe deformities are often confused with one another. Understanding the joint involved can help distinguish them:

All three can coexist or progress from one to another if left untreated.

Who’s at Risk for Developing These Conditions?

You may be more likely to develop claw toe or mallet toe if you:

• Wear tight or narrow shoes regularly
• Have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or a neurological condition
• Have a high-arched foot or other biomechanical imbalance
• Have experienced toe injuries or fractures
• Spend long hours walking or standing (common for NYC professionals and commuters)
• Have a family history of toe deformities
  

Anyone noticing changes in toe flexibility or shape should have their feet evaluated by a podiatrist.

When to See a Podiatrist in NYC

Early intervention makes a big difference in how these conditions progress. You should schedule a podiatric consultation if:

• You notice one or more toes starting to curl abnormally
• You’re developing corns or painful pressure points on the toes
• Your toe no longer straightens fully
• You’re having difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably
• You’ve been diagnosed with a condition like diabetes or arthritis and are seeing new toe changes
  

At Best Foot Doctor NY, we offer detailed evaluations in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan to determine whether your toe deformity is flexible, semi-rigid, or fixed, and what it may be doing to the rest of your foot.

How Are Claw Toe and Mallet Toe Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination. Your podiatrist will observe your toes while standing and sitting, test their flexibility, and check for associated foot problems like bunions or hammertoes.

Additional diagnostic steps may include:

• Gait analysis to understand how your foot functions during walking
• Digital X-rays to assess bone alignment and joint involvement
• Neurologic testing if nerve damage is suspected
• Review of your footwear, daily habits, and medical history
  

Identifying the cause and severity of the deformity helps determine the best next steps for preserving foot function and preventing further joint damage.

What Happens If These Conditions Are Left Untreated?

If claw toe or mallet toe is not addressed, the joint may become permanently rigid. Over time, this can lead to:

• Increased pain and corns from constant shoe friction
• Inability to wear regular shoes
• Shifting of pressure to the ball of the foot
• Development of other deformities like bunions or overlapping toes
• Greater risk of wounds or ulcers, especially in diabetic patients
  

That’s why it’s important to monitor your symptoms and speak with a podiatrist early, especially if you’re beginning to notice toe curling or stiffness.

Mallet Toe Surgery in Brooklyn

Why Best Foot Doctor NY?

With multiple locations across NYC, Best Foot Doctor NY is a leading destination for foot and toe evaluations. We combine advanced imaging, clinical expertise, and patient-centered care to help you understand your symptoms.

Patients across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan trust us for:

• Accurate diagnosis of foot and toe deformities
• In-house X-rays and gait evaluations
• Same-day and Saturday availability
• Multilingual staff and borough-based locations
• Long-term care planning for progressive foot conditions
  

We understand the lifestyle demands of New York City and the importance of staying active without pain.

Schedule Your Consultation for Claw or Mallet Toe in NYC

Worried that your curled toe might be more than a cosmetic issue? Whether your toe just started to bend or has become increasingly stiff or painful, we’re here to help you get answers.

Visit us at one of our convenient NYC locations:

• Brooklyn – 1747 E 12th St
• Queens – 110-78 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills
• Manhattan – 55 W 47th St, Suite 1080
  

Book your foot exam today and find out what’s really behind your toe discomfort.