Curly Toes

Providing expert orthopedic care for children's foot conditions.

Curly toes are a common condition present at birth that affects infants and young children. It typically impacts the third and fourth toes on both feet, causing them to curl under due to tight tendons pulling one toe beneath the next.

While often harmless, curly toes can sometimes cause discomfort, difficulty walking or issues with shoe fitting. If your child experiences symptoms, Connecticut Children’s orthopedic specialists can evaluate and provide treatment if needed.

Signs and symptoms of curly toes

Most children with curly toes have no pain or mobility issues. However, some may experience:

  • Curled or overlapping toes (visible even at rest)
  • Pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes
  • Blisters, calluses or sores due to friction
  • Toenail deformities from repeated pressure

If your child is experiencing discomfort, an evaluation with a pediatric orthopedic specialist can help determine the best course of action.

Causes of curly toes

Curly toes are a hereditary condition and tend to run in families. The primary cause is tight flexor tendons, which pull the toes downward and inward. This condition does not typically worsen over time, but it may become more noticeable as a child grows.

Treatment options

For most children, curly toes do not require treatment and may improve naturally as they grow. However, if the condition causes pain or difficulty walking, treatment options include:

  • Stretching exercises – May help in mild cases.
  • Supportive footwear – Shoes with a wider toe box can reduce pressure.
  • Surgical correction – In rare cases, outpatient surgery may be needed if symptoms persist beyond age 5–6 years.
     

Frequently asked questions

Curly toes occur when the tendons in the foot are too tight, causing the toes to bend under. This condition is usually present at birth and may become more noticeable as a child starts walking.

Yes, curly toes are a common condition in infants and young children. Many cases improve naturally as a child grows.

Curly toes often improve as a child grows, particularly by the time they start walking. If the condition persists beyond age 5 or causes discomfort, treatment may be considered.

Yes, many cases improve without intervention. If curly toes remain but do not cause pain or mobility issues, no treatment is necessary.

Curled toes alone are not typically a problem. However, if they cause pain, sores or interfere with walking, a pediatric orthopedic specialist can evaluate the need for treatment.

Curly toes are usually inherited and caused by tight flexor tendons that pull the toes downward. This is a structural variation rather than a medical problem.

No, metatarsus adductus is a different condition where the entire foot curves inward, while curly toes affect only the toes. If you're unsure which condition your baby has, an orthopedic specialist can provide a diagnosis.

Curled toes alone are not usually a sign of cerebral palsy. However, if they occur with muscle stiffness, tightness or developmental delays, a pediatrician may recommend further evaluation.

Doctors diagnose curly toes through a simple physical exam. Imaging tests are usually not needed.

Surgery is rarely required. It is only considered if curly toes cause persistent pain, sores or walking difficulties beyond 5–6 years of age.

Expert pediatric orthopedic care at Connecticut Children’s

Connecticut Children’s pediatric orthopedic specialists provide expert evaluation and treatment for foot conditions like curly toes. If your child is experiencing discomfort, we can help determine the best treatment plan. 

Call 860.545.9100 or schedule an appointment online for specialized care.