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How to Fix Curled Toes: Most Effective Treatment Options

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Jennie Stanford

Updated at: March 28, 2025

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Curly Toe?

  2. Types of Curled Toes

  3. What are the Causes of Curled Toes?

  4. Exercises for Overcoming Curled Toes

  5. Curled Toes and Sleep

  6. Medical Treatments for Curled Toes

    1. Physical Therapy

    2. Anti-inflammatories and Pain-Relievers

  7. How to Prevent Curled Toes from Worsening

  8. Using Adaptive Footwear

If your toes are curled or bent in a rigid and unnatural way, you may have a condition such as hammer toe, mallet toe or claw toe.

What is a Curly Toe?

If your toes are curled or bent in a rigid and unnatural way, you may have a condition such as hammer toe, mallet toe or claw toe. It is a claw toe if the middle and end joints are both bent, but mallet toe if only the end joint is bent. With the hammer toe, it is just the middle joint.

Types of Curled Toes

Curled toes come in a variety of forms.

Mallet Toes

Mallet toes affect the joint nearest the toenail (distal interphalangeal joint), causing it to bend downward. They typically develop from muscle imbalances or tight footwear that forces toes into cramped positions.

Mallet toes commonly affect the second toe but can appear on any toe. Early symptoms include pain at the toe tip, especially when wearing shoes, and calluses forming on the toe's end.

Hammer Toes

Hammertoes involve abnormal bending at the middle joint (proximal interphalangeal joint), creating a characteristic hammer-like appearance. They're often caused by muscle/tendon imbalances, ill-fitting shoes, or foot structure abnormalities.

Hammertoes frequently affect the second, third, and fourth toes. Initially flexible, they can become rigid and fixed over time without treatment. Pain typically occurs on top of the bent joint when wearing shoes, with corns and calluses developing at pressure points.

Treatment options range from toe exercises and proper footwear to splinting devices and taping. Severe or rigid hammertoes may require surgical correction through tendon transfers, joint resection, or fusion procedures.

Claw Toe

Claw toe involves bending at multiple joints: the toe bends upward at the metatarsophalangeal joint (where the toe meets the foot) while simultaneously curling downward at both the middle and tip joints. This creates a claw-like appearance.

Often caused by nerve damage, particularly from diabetes, stroke, or other neurological conditions, claw toes frequently affect all toes simultaneously. Muscle imbalance is the primary mechanism, with stronger muscles overpowering weaker ones.

Symptoms include pain while walking, corns on top of toe joints, and calluses beneath the ball of the foot. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying neurological issues when possible, while custom orthotics, toe splints, and specialized footwear provide relief to enable light exercise. In severe cases, surgery may release tight tendons or fuse joints.

Curly Toe

Curly toe (congenital curly toe) is primarily a pediatric condition present from birth or early childhood. Unlike other toe deformities, it typically causes the toe to curl inward toward the middle of the foot rather than up or down.

The pinky toe is most commonly affected, though adjacent toes may also curl. This condition results from shortened flexor tendons that pull the toe into an abnormal position. Most cases are painless and don't require treatment, with many resolving naturally as the child grows.

For persistent cases causing pain, discomfort, or walking difficulties, treatment options include gentle stretching exercises, toe spacers, or rarely, surgical release of the tight tendon. Unlike adult toe deformities, curly toe rarely results from footwear pressure or acquired conditions.

What are the Causes of Curled Toes?

Toes curling can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Genetics
  • Wearing shoes that don’t fit well
  • Injury-related nerve trauma
  • Alcoholic neuropathy
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Arthritis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Polio
  • Tumors in the spinal cord
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
  • Stroke

That is not an exhaustive list. Curled toes are often connected with foot drop, a condition where you cannot fully lift the front parts of your feet. Foot drop in turn can be the result of injuries, a stroke, MS, diabetes, or other causes.

Exercises for Overcoming Curled Toes

There are many different exercises that may help you to recover from curled toes. Some examples include toe taps, marble pickup, floor grips, towel curls, toe extensor strengthening, and more. Discover foot drop exercises and claw toe exercises.

Curled Toes and Sleep

If one of the issues that could contribute to your curled toes is foot drop from extended bed rest, wearing a night splint may help. That said, this is more effective as a preventative measure than as a treatment. 

That said, quality sleep may help you recover from foot drop and curled toes by facilitating healing from any underlying injuries.


Medical Treatments for Curled Toes

Conservative at-home treatments are usually used to treat curled toes. But you may also be directed to take medications or do PT. Surgery may be needed in some more severe and intractable cases.

Physical Therapy

woman stretching during physical therapy

Sep 24, 2024

Physical therapy (PT) is focused on helping patients to recover their full strength, flexibility and range of motion in their toes and feet. Your physical therapist will give you exercises to perform, likely including some of the ones we mentioned before.

Anti-inflammatories and Pain-Relievers

If your condition is painful or involves swelling, your doctor may recommend you take pain-relievers such as anti-inflammatory medications. These may be over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription meds.

How to Prevent Curled Toes from Worsening

Following the treatment recommendations of your doctor can also help prevent your curled toes from getting worse. Something else that can help is wearing adaptive footwear.

Using Adaptive Footwear

Walking with curled toes or foot drop can be challenging. But wearing adaptive footwear such as the Cadense Original Adaptive Shoe for men and women can help. These shoes use patented variable friction technology so the wearer can “glide” across uneven surfaces. This allows for safer walking with a more natural gait and a reduced risk of trips and falls. 

These shoes also feature the cushioning and support needed to ensure comfort and stability with curled toes, foot drop, or other conditions that affect the feet.

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FAQ

What causes curled toes?

Curled toes may have a wide range of causes. Examples include genetics, neuropathy (and underlying conditions that may cause it), wearing shoes that do not fit properly, and more.

Can curled toes be fixed without surgery?

Yes, often curled toes can be fixed without surgery (though not in every case). The earlier you start treatment, the less likely you are to need surgery.

What are the best exercises for fixing curled toes?

You can try toe taps, marble pickup, floor grips, towel curls, toe extensor strengthening, and others.

How can custom orthotics help with curled toes?

You can use custom orthotics to redistribute weight and cushion your toes. Both can increase your comfort and encourage the toes to straighten.

When is surgery necessary for curled toes?

Curled toes that are severe and/or non-responsive to more conservative treatments may require surgery. 

What can I do to prevent curled toes from getting worse?

Wear properly-fitting adaptive footwear, do exercises for curled toes, and use custom orthotics as needed. 

How long does it take to see improvement in curled toes with non-surgical treatments?

It may take weeks, months, or years to improve curled toes, depending on your specific condition and approach to treatment. 

Can curled toes be painful?

Yes, sometimes curled toes can be painful. You can reduce the pain by taking medications and wearing more comfortable footwear and orthotics.

Is it possible for curled toes to straighten on their own?

Yes, though it is not wise to wait for this to happen. They could also get worse. So, you should proactively treat your curled toes to give them the past chance at straightening.

What types of shoes are best for curled toes?

The best shoes for curled toes are therapeutic, adaptive shoes like Cadense that help you walk safely and comfortably. 

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Reviewed by: Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is a highly accomplished physician who has made significant contributions to the fields of obesity medicine and metabolic health. Her expertise and dedication to patient care have earned her a reputation as a leading authority in these areas. Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is a highly accomplished physician who has made significant contributions to the fields of obesity medicine and metabolic health. Her expertise and dedication to patient care have earned her a reputation as a leading authority in these areas. After obtaining her Doctor of Medicine degree from the prestigious University of Mississippi Medical Center, Dr. Stanford went on to achieve board certification from both the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Stanford is a prolific medical writer and educator. She leverages her expertise to create informative and engaging content that educates both healthcare professionals and the general public about the latest advances in obesity medicine and metabolic health. Her written works, which include articles, blog posts, and educational materials, have been widely published and have helped to raise awareness about the importance of preventing and treating obesity and related metabolic disorders. As a recognized leader in her field, Dr. Jennie Stanford continues to advance the understanding and treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders. Her tireless efforts to educate, mentor, and provide exceptional patient care serve as an inspiration to her colleagues and a testament to her commitment to improving the lives of those affected by these conditions.

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Medical Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. This website’s information, content, and material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Cadense Inc. may not be held liable for any damages whether incidental, ordinary or consequential. Cadense does not make any guarantee of any particular end result. Cadense makes no claims or guarantees of payment/reimbursement by any insurance companies. Cadense adaptive shoes are intended to provide greater mobility to those with walking difficulties.