Paediatrics / Curly Toes

Curly toes is a relatively common condition where one toe curls underneath the adjacent toe. Third, fourth and fifth toe are the most commonly seen.

WHAT ARE CURLY TOES?
- A relatively common condition where one toe curls underneath the adjacent toe
- Third, fourth and fifth toe are the most commonly seen
- May cause mild some pain and discomfort during activity due to positioning
- Can have effects on the nail growth and development due to the pressure
- Often a genetic condition inherited from their parents that is present from birth
- Toes curl under because the tendons that flex them are too tight and pull the toe under the adjacent toe
DO CURLY TOES NEED ANY TREATMENT?
- Often curly toes will spontaneously correct themselves as a child continues to grow and develop
- However, there are some cases where treatment will be required – a podiatrist can assist you in determining whether any treatment will be necessary to correct the positioning
- If the curly toes are symptomatic – i.e. are painful, causing blistering, having difficultly wearing shoes, or beginning to thicken the toenail – treatment will often be recommended
HOW WOULD A PODIATRIST TREAT CURLY TOES?
- They would first assess the toes and determine whether any treatment was necessary
- Footwear advice or modifications
- Massage and stretching programs to untighten the flexor tendons pulling the toe under
- Strapping of the toes
- Persistent problematic curly toes beyond age 5 may be considered for a surgical option if all conservative treatments fail to resolve the issue

WHAT ARE CURLY TOES?
- A relatively common condition where one toe curls underneath the adjacent toe
- Third, fourth and fifth toe are the most commonly seen
- May cause mild some pain and discomfort during activity due to positioning
- Can have effects on the nail growth and development due to the pressure
- Often a genetic condition inherited from their parents that is present from birth
- Toes curl under because the tendons that flex them are too tight and pull the toe under the adjacent toe
DO CURLY TOES NEED ANY TREATMENT?
- Often curly toes will spontaneously correct themselves as a child continues to grow and develop
- However, there are some cases where treatment will be required – a podiatrist can assist you in determining whether any treatment will be necessary to correct the positioning
- If the curly toes are symptomatic – i.e. are painful, causing blistering, having difficultly wearing shoes, or beginning to thicken the toenail – treatment will often be recommended
HOW WOULD A PODIATRIST TREAT CURLY TOES?
- They would first assess the toes and determine whether any treatment was necessary
- Footwear advice or modifications
- Massage and stretching programs to untighten the flexor tendons pulling the toe under
- Strapping of the toes
- Persistent problematic curly toes beyond age 5 may be considered for a surgical option if all conservative treatments fail to resolve the issue

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