Claw Foot: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Claw Foot?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and joint problems, or a podiatrist, a foot doctor, usually treats claw foot. Claw toes can also be treated surgically to realign the toe. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is claw foot?
Claw foot is a deformity of the foot. The joint of the toe that is closest to the ankle is bent upward, and the other joints are bent downward. The toe looks like a claw. A high arch is a foot arch that is raised more than normal. A high arch is also called pes cavus. Pes cavus commonly features claw toes.
Symptoms
Claw toes may cause pain and lead to calluses on the top of the toe over the first joint, but may also be painless. The condition may create problems fitting into shoes. The abnormal shape of the toe can increase pressure and cause calluses or ulcers on your toes. Most of the time, claw toes are not harmful by themselves. Rarely, they may be the first sign of a more serious disease of the nervous system.
Symptoms of a high arch include:
- Shortened foot length.
- Difficulty fitting shoes.
- Foot pain with walking, standing, and running, though not everyone has this symptom.
Unlike flat feet, highly arched feet tend to be painful.
Causes and who gets it
Claw toes may be present at birth, which is called congenital. The condition can also develop later in life because of other disorders. Claw toes may be caused by a nerve problem in the legs, a spinal cord problem, or signs of arthritis. The cause is unknown in many cases.
Causes may include:
- Ankle fractures or surgery.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
- Other brain and nervous system disorders.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
High foot arches can be caused by a bone (orthopedic) or nerve (neurological) condition. High foot arches are much less common than flat feet.
How doctors diagnose it
The provider will do an exam to check for muscle, nerve, and spine problems. The exam will most likely include extra attention to the feet and hands. The provider will examine the flexibility of your toes and ankle. You may be asked when you first noticed it and whether you had a previous injury.
For a high arch, your health care provider will check to see if the arch is flexible, meaning it can be moved around.
Tests that may be done for a high arch include:
- X-ray of the feet.
- X-ray of the spine.
- MRI of the spine.
- Genetic testing to look for genes that you can pass on to your child.
Treatment
Fabric pads or sleeves that cover the top of your toes may help. You may need to wear special shoes to ease pressure. Sometimes stretching or taping of the affected toe can be used to reduce the symptoms. Claw toes can also be treated surgically to realign the toe.
High arches, particularly ones that are flexible or well cared for, may not need any treatment. Orthotics that can be placed in shoes may help the symptoms of high arches. Corrective shoes may help relieve pain and improve walking. Surgery to flatten the foot is sometimes needed in severe cases. Any nerve problems that exist must be treated and monitored by specialists.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you think you may be getting claw toes. Contact your provider if you think you have foot pain related to high arches. Claw toes may rarely be the first sign of a more serious disease of the nervous system.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can do an exam to check for muscle, nerve, and spine problems. If nerve problems are found, specialists must treat and monitor them.
Common questions
Are claw toes harmful?
Most of the time, claw toes are not harmful by themselves. Rarely, they may be the first sign of a more serious disease of the nervous system.
What causes claw foot?
Claw toes may be caused by a nerve problem in the legs, a spinal cord problem, or signs of arthritis. The cause is unknown in many cases.
Can claw foot be treated with surgery?
Yes, claw toes can be treated surgically to realign the toe.
Is claw foot the same as a high arch?
No, they are not the same thing, but they can go together. A high arch is a foot arch that is raised more than normal. Claw foot is a deformity in which the toe looks like a claw.
Does a high arch need treatment?
Not always. High arches, particularly ones that are flexible or well cared for, may not need any treatment.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Claw foot
- MedlinePlus - High arch
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central) - Interventions for the prevention and treatment of pes cavus
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
