ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Claw hand

Definition

Claw hand is a condition that causes curved or bent fingers, which makes the hand appear like the claw of an animal. See also claw foot.

Considerations

Claw hand can be something that someone is born with (congenital) or that they develop because of certain disorders, such as nerve injury.

Causes

• Congenital abnormality
• Nerve damage

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If the condition is congenital, it is usually diagnosed at birth. If you notice claw hand developing, contact your health care provider.

The health care provider will perform a physical examination. This examination may include extra attention to examination of the hands and feet.

The health care provider will also ask for your medical history. Medical history questions documenting claw hand in detail may include:

• Time pattern
  • When did you first notice the abnormal hand shape?
  • Is it getting worse?
• Location: Does it affect both hands?
• Other: Do other symptoms occur at the same time?

Additional studies may be ordered by your doctor such as EMG (test of the electrical conduction in your muscles), or nerve conduction studies to evaluate for nerve damage.