The information contained within these pages is the property of the Medical Multimedia Group and we retain all rights regarding its content. Alteration of these documents in any way is a violation of the copyright. Available Introduction Anatomy Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Introduction Clawtoes and Hammertoes are a fairly common condition in cultures that wear shoes. Hyperflexion simply means too much downward bend at the joint. The PIP joint is the joint between the first bone of the toe and the second bone of the toe.
Hyperextension simply means too much upward bend at the joint.
The MTP joint is the joint that makes up the ball of the foot. Causes Clawtoes are usually the result of a shoe that is too short . Shoes that are pointed make matters even worse. Combine pointed shoes with high heels , and the foot is constantly being pushed downhill into a wall - and the toes are squished like an accordion all the time. There are nerve problems that can cause the development of clawing of the toes.