Curly Toe
CURLY TOE occurs if the toe starts bending/ curling down sideways into a 'curled' shape. It is usually found on both feet, often on the fourth toe. Curly toe can start to become very uncomfortable when the toes start curling under or over each other. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and advise on next steps in treating this condition
Curly Toe can start from a young age due to a deformity at one of the joints of the toe. Curly toe can cause irritation and pain as well as increasing the likelihood that corns, calluses or even ulcers can develop (due to friction from shoes or the ground)
So I have Curly Toes... Now what?
Curly Toe can start from a young age due to a deformity at one of the joints of the toe. Curly toe can cause irritation and pain as well as increasing the likelihood that corns, calluses or even ulcers can develop (due to friction from shoes or the ground)
So I have Curly Toes... Now what?
- Taping the toes to hold the toes in the correct position.
- Wearing of a splint to hold the toes in the correct position.
- Avoid wearing certain shoes (avoid tight fitting shoes such as high heels)
- Insoles or Pads can reduce the pressure on the ball of the foot and redistribute weight more evenly
- In more serious cases, your doctor may advise you to consider surgical treatments.
What is Curly Toe Syndrome
Curly toe syndrome is a condition that causes your 4th toe to curve inward.. It's a common deformity, which is typically bilateral and mostly affects the fourth toe. This deformity develops over time, can grow to be uncomfortable when the 4th toe curls under the 3rd and affects walking or balance.
✔️It's most often seen in young children and babies, but some adults can have it as well.
✔️Curly toe syndrome is caused by a tight ligament in the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), which connects your bones and tendons at the base of your toes.
✔️This causes your fourth toe to bend toward the adjacent ones when you flex them.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have Curly toe syndrome, the toe can become painful and uncomfortable, and surgery may be needed to correct it.
✔️Curly toes are more common in people who have certain diseases or nerve damage from an injury or surgery.
✔️Curly Toe Syndrome is often seen through generations of families.
✔️It's also known as Morton's toe, after the doctor who discovered it in 1918.
👉🏽Curly Toe Syndrome usually isn't caused by damage to your feet or injuries like sprains or fractures. It can occur on its own, but it often goes hand-in-hand with other foot deformities like hammertoes or overlapping toes (where two adjacent toes overlap).
👉🏽Curly Toes aren't caused by arthritis either (although they may make you more prone to developing this condition later in life if left untreated!)
Treatment of Curly Toes
There are several ways to treat curly toe syndrome:
🧑🏽⚕️ If your toe is curved inward and causing pain, make sure you see a doctor immediately!
✔️It's most often seen in young children and babies, but some adults can have it as well.
✔️Curly toe syndrome is caused by a tight ligament in the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), which connects your bones and tendons at the base of your toes.
✔️This causes your fourth toe to bend toward the adjacent ones when you flex them.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have Curly toe syndrome, the toe can become painful and uncomfortable, and surgery may be needed to correct it.
✔️Curly toes are more common in people who have certain diseases or nerve damage from an injury or surgery.
✔️Curly Toe Syndrome is often seen through generations of families.
✔️It's also known as Morton's toe, after the doctor who discovered it in 1918.
👉🏽Curly Toe Syndrome usually isn't caused by damage to your feet or injuries like sprains or fractures. It can occur on its own, but it often goes hand-in-hand with other foot deformities like hammertoes or overlapping toes (where two adjacent toes overlap).
👉🏽Curly Toes aren't caused by arthritis either (although they may make you more prone to developing this condition later in life if left untreated!)
Treatment of Curly Toes
There are several ways to treat curly toe syndrome:
- Splints and orthotics can be used to help control the condition, but surgery may be necessary in some cases.
- Surgery involves straightening the toe so that it's no longer bent and can move freely within its socket.
🧑🏽⚕️ If your toe is curved inward and causing pain, make sure you see a doctor immediately!
