Toe Ailments

Toe Ailments are common and can usually be associated with improperly-fitted footwear. Please contact your family doctor or Podiatrist and ask them how Birkenstock footwear or arch supports can help treat your symptoms. Also, feel free to contact your local Birkenstock retailer about their healthy footwear recommendations. Birkenstock has many products that can help with Hammer Toe, Claw Toe, and Ingrown Toenails.

Hammer Toes, Claw Toes, Ingrown Toe Nails

Hammer Toe can occur in all but the big toe. It is a toe that is raised and causes severe pressure and pain. Like above, a Claw Toe is a toe that is raised and causes severe pressure and pain. The difference is that the toe curls under so the tip (end) of the toe is pressed against the bottom of the shoe. An Ingrown Toenail is a painful condition where the skin of the toe grows over the sides of the toenail, or the toenail itself grows into the skin.

Causes of Toe Ailments

Hammer Toe, Claw Toe, and Ingrown Toenails are all common Toe Ailments. The common causes are listed below:

Hammer Toe

• Muscle imbalance causing the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. This results in the toe joint curling downward with the toe pad resting on the ground
• Arthritis can also lead to Hammer Toes as well as other foot ailments

Claw Toe

• Muscle imbalance causing the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. This results in the toe joint curling downward with the tip of the toe touching the ground
• Arthritis can also lead to Claw Toes as well as other foot ailments

Ingrown Toenails

• In some cases this condition is hereditary such as toenails that are simply too large
• Not cutting toenails straight across can cause ingrown toenails
• People whose toes curl from arthritis or other diseases are prone to ingrown toenails
• Trauma like stubbing a toe, having a toe stepped on, and repeated pounding of the toes from running can all cause ingrown toenails

Symptoms

If you’re barefoot, you can easily see if you have Hammer Toe and Claw Toe. Not only will the toe be bent upward from the middle joint, but you will have tenderness on the top of the toe. Claw Toe will cause additional tenderness on the tip (end) of the toe. With Ingrown Toenails you can experience repeated infection of the skin around the toenail, irritation, redness, an uncomfortable sensation of warmth, as well as swelling of the skin around the toenail.

Treatment & Prevention

The first step in the treatment of Foot Ailments is determining what is causing the problem. Check with your family doctor or Podiatrist (foot doctor) to find the best solution for your pain or discomfort.

You can reduce the risk of Hammer Toe, Claw Toe, and Ingrown Toenails by following these simple instructions:

Hammer Toe/Claw Toe

• Change to roomier footwear
• Choose footwear with a wider toe box (toe area) to allow the foot to take on its natural shape
• Choose footwear with a higher toe box to provide enough room in the forefoot so there is less friction against the toes

Ingrown Toenails

• Immediate relief can be gained from soaking the feet in warm salt water, drying them with a soft towel, applying a mild antiseptic, and bandaging the toe
• If you think the toe or toenail is infected, consult your doctor
• To prevent future ingrown toenails, cut nail properly (straight across so the toenail corners are visible)

Medical information and illustrations furnished courtesy of FOOT.COM