# Curly toes > Curly toes are toes that tuck under their neighbour, usually present from birth, caused by a tight tendon on the underside of the toe. They're common and usually harmless. Gentle stretching, roomy shoes and careful nail trimming are commonly advised, and treatment is usually not needed. Guide in [Children's feet](https://footanklelowerlimb.com.au/learn/topics/childrens-feet), from Foot Ankle Lower Limb: https://footanklelowerlimb.com.au/learn/curly-toes Reviewed by Andrew Schox, BSc(Hons) PGradDipPod MPod (Podiatrist) on 1 November 2026. Next review by 1 November 2027. - **A toe tucks under the one beside it,** usually from birth, pulled out of line by a tight tendon underneath. - **Most curly toes are painless** and improve slowly as a child grows. - **Home care is the first step:** daily toe stretches, shoes with room for the toes and correct nail trimming. - **Surgery is rarely needed.** ## What are curly toes, and how common are they? Curly toes are toes that curl under the next toe, usually from birth [1][2][3]. A tight tendon underneath pulls the toe out of line [4]. It is also called congenital curly toe [5]. It's common, affecting about 2% to 3% of people [5]. It often involves the third, fourth and fifth toes [4]. Most curly toes cause no symptoms [6]. They can look more noticeable once a child starts walking [1]. ## What causes curly toes, and who gets them? The tendons under the toe are too tight, and they pull the toe under its neighbour [2]. Why the tendon tightens isn't known, but curly toes can affect several generations of a family, which suggests they are inherited [2][7]. Occasionally, congenital curly toes are caused by a problem with the bones rather than the tendons [8]. Most cases are seen in babies and children, and are linked to family history or being born with the toe shape [9]. Some adults have curly toes too, which may be due to wearing shoes or an unknown cause [9]. The condition seems to run in families, so other family members may also have curly toes. ## What does it feel like, and how is it diagnosed? The main sign is one or more toes curling under the next toe [3]. Most children and adults have no problems from it [3]. Some children get rubbing or pain, hard skin or corns, nail changes, or trouble finding shoes that fit [3][9]. Curly toes can be identified through a doctor's examination of the feet and toes [10]. In most cases this is enough, though weight-bearing X-rays may be considered in children older than 2 years [5]. Toes that stay supple stay curly without causing problems [2]. Before an appointment, note which toes are affected, whether the toe straightens when moved gently, and any rubbing, hard skin or nail changes. ## What helps first? If a curly toe doesn't hurt, no treatment is needed [11]. Home care comes first: - **Stretch gently.** Straightening the toes each day, such as at bath time, helps keep them supple [2]. - **Wear roomy, supportive shoes** with enough width and depth that the toes don't rub together [3][7]. - **Trim nails correctly** so they don't dig into the next toe [7]. - **Try toe cushions and wide-toed shoes** if blisters or corns are starting [11]. Strapping and toe spacers generally don't correct toe shape, and taping is often of limited value, though it may help in newborns [5][2][11]. Spacers may stop rubbing, but young children may not tolerate them [3]. Non-surgical options often make little lasting difference [5]. > [!tip] Try this > After a bath, gently stretch each curly toe straight as part of a daily routine [2][3]. ## What helps if that isn't enough? A small operation to release the tight tendon is kept for a few children whose toe causes trouble, such as painful blisters, rubbing, or skin or nail breakdown [2][11]. It usually settles a painful toe over some weeks [12]. When shape is the only concern, risks are probably too high, and surgery can harm a toe that moves normally [11]. Risks are small: bleeding, infection, and very rarely nerve or blood-supply problems [8]. Ask about benefits, risks and recovery before agreeing to an operation. Ask about benefits, risks and recovery first. ## How long does it take, and can it come back? Curly toes are often symptom-free, and in children they usually improve slowly as the feet grow [7][12]. Many correct themselves once a child is walking [13]. Toe splints and special shoes don't change this natural course, and it isn't clear yet whether strapping or taping helps [5][11][12]. Toes that stay flexible shouldn't cause a problem [1][2]. A toe that becomes fixed isn't known to cause problems later in life [1][7]. Nothing has been shown to prevent curly toes. To limit rubbing, keep nails trimmed and shoes roomy and well fitted [7][3]. Re-check the toes if they start to rub or get sore, or if your child's activity changes. ## What can make it serious? - The skin over a bunion or another bony bump on your foot is broken, blistered or starting to break down. - Your child's foot shape is getting worse. - You have had foot surgery and the wound becomes red, hot, swollen or more painful, or has pus or a bad smell. - You have had foot surgery and the wound opens, keeps bleeding or starts to leak. - The skin on your toes or foot turns dark or black, or a wound turns black and smells bad. ## Common questions ### Will my child's curly toes go away on their own? Often they do improve. In children, curly toes usually improve slowly as the feet grow, and many straighten out around the time a child starts to walk. Not every toe straightens completely. If a toe stays curled but remains flexible, it isn't known to cause problems later in life. ### Do curly toes affect walking? Usually not. Curly toes do not affect walking or running, and most children and adults have no problems. Sometimes children get rubbing or pain, or find it hard to get shoes that fit. Roomy, well-fitting shoes can help. ### Can adults have curly toes? Yes. Most curly toes start in childhood, but some adults have them too, sometimes from wearing shoes and sometimes for no known reason. ### Do toe spacers help curly toes? Spacers don't correct the shape of a toe. They may keep toes apart and stop rubbing, although young children often don't like wearing them. If rubbing is the problem, a podiatrist or GP can suggest whether a spacer or a toe cushion might suit. ## Further reading - [Curly toes on Clindice](https://clindice.com/curly-toes) - [Curly Toes | Common Health Issues - Child 1 to 4 years | Child 1 - 4 years | Healthier Together](https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-5-years/curly-toes), NHS - [Curly toes in children - South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/resources/curly-toes-in-children/), NHS - [What is the natural outcome in a child with flexible curly toes?](https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Curly-toes.pdf), NHS - [Curly toes surgery](https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/nedp0pan/curly-toes-surgery_apr25.pdf), NHS ## Sources 1. Curly toes · Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/pifs/curly-toes/ 2. Curly toes · Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/1dli5dlx/curly-toes_apr25.pdf 3. Curly Toes · University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/uploads/about/docs/our_publications/patient_information_leaflets/Childrens_therapy/Childrens_physiotherapy/curly-toes.pdf 4. Curly toes (children) · Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust · 2024. https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/leaflet/curly-toes-children/ 5. Congenital Curly Toes in the Pediatric Population: A Management Algorithm and Systematic Review · Morcos MM, Paek S, Ting C et al. · PubMed Central (PMC) · 2024. https://doi.org/10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00267 6. Surgical correction for curly toe using open tenotomy of flexor digitorum brevis tendon · Tokioka K, Nakatsuka T, Tsuji S et al. · Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery · 2007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2006.08.004 7. Curly toes · County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/download_file/6b2b71fe-1c02-4e80-bc19-f344344f829e/599 8. Children's Curly Toes · Mallard A · Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. https://roh.nhs.uk/services-information/foot-and-ankle/childrens-curly-toes 9. Effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery using incomplete phalangeal osteotomy for symptomatic curly toe of adults with a trapezoidal phalanx: An observational study · Ramírez-Andrés L, Nieto-García E, Nieto-González E et al. · Frontiers in Surgery · 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.965238 10. Curly toes factsheet · The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/curly-toes 11. Lesser Toe Problems in Children – Information for Referrers · Right Decisions. https://www.rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/nhsl-guidelines/orthopaedics/paediatric-orthopaedic/lesser-toe-problems-in-children-information-for-referrers/ 12. Lesser Toe Problems in Children · NHS Scotland Clinical Guidelines. https://www.clinicalguidelines.scot.nhs.uk/media/3151/333377_1_0_-lesser-toe-problems-in-children_s.pdf 13. Babies and children's feet · Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust · 2024. https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/babies-and-childrens-feet/ --- This is general information, not advice about your own situation. To discuss your issues, book with one of our podiatrists. In an emergency, call 000.