claw deformity, also known as nail deformity, is a condition in which the hand or fingers are permanently bent or curled, resembling a nail. It is caused by weakness or paralysis of the hand muscles that control the fingers.
Claw hands is a condition characterized by the fingers being abnormally bent into a nail-like position. Causes of fingernails on the hands may include:
Nerve damage: Nails can form on the hands when the nerves that control the muscles in the hands and forearms are damaged. This can be caused by a variety of conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and spinal cord injury.
Muscular Dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Weak hand and forearm muscles can lead to claw hands.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. It can also cause deformities in hands, including those with claws.
Dupuytren's contracture: Dupuytren's contracture is a condition in which the tissues of the palm thicken and tighten, causing the fingers to bend inward.