Curly Toes

What are Curly Toes?

Curly toes, also known as clinodactyly, occur when one or more of the toes curl inwards while standing. Typically affecting the third, fourth, and fifth toes, curly toes are often present from birth and become more noticeable as a child begins walking.

What Causes Curly Toes?

The condition develops due to tendons beneath the foot pulling on the toes, causing them to curl downwards and rotate inwards. Curly toes tend to run in families, appearing in multiple generations. In some cases, the condition may evolve into hammertoes or claw toes, especially when pressure from tight footwear changes the joints in the toes.

Symptoms of Curly Toes

While curly toes typically do not cause pain, they may lead to visible curling of the toes. In some cases, discomfort may arise, along with changes to the skin or nails such as corns, calluses, blisters, thickening, or distortion. These changes may make wearing certain footwear difficult.

How Are Curly Toes Treated?

If your child’s curly toes are not causing any pain, treatment is usually not necessary. Choose shoes with a wide toe box to avoid putting pressure on the toes. Many children experience natural improvement before the age of five, with studies showing that 25% of cases resolve on their own.

However, if your child is experiencing pain or other symptoms, we recommend seeing a podiatrist for a thorough assessment. We may suggest non-surgical treatments such as stretching exercises or toe-props to alleviate discomfort. In rare cases, a referral to an orthopedic surgeon may be needed for further evaluation.

Get Professional Help

If you’re concerned about your child’s curly toes or related symptoms, contact us at Leading Health Podiatry. Our expert podiatrists will guide you through the best treatment options for your child’s condition.