A toe that once lay flat may gradually bend at the middle joint, rub against shoes, or become difficult to straighten. This is often a sign of a hammertoe, a common foot deformity that can become more rigid and painful over time.

Below, the podiatrists at Syracuse Podiatry explain why toes curl and when treatment may help.

What Is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe develops when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that keep a toe straight become unbalanced. This pulls the toe into a bent position, usually affecting the second, third, or fourth toe.

At first, the toe may remain flexible and straighten when moved by hand. As the condition progresses, the joint can stiffen and become fixed.

What Causes Toes to Curl?

Contributing factors may include:

• Tight or narrow shoes
• High heels that shift weight toward the front of the foot
• A toe that is longer than the one beside it
• Bunions or other changes in foot structure
• A previous toe injury
• Arthritis or other joint conditions
• Nerve or muscle disorders

Shoes do not always cause hammertoes, but footwear that crowds the toes can worsen an existing imbalance and increase pressure on the joints.

What Symptoms Can Hammertoes Cause?

A curled toe may initially be more noticeable than painful. Over time, shoe friction can cause corns on top of the joint or calluses near the tip of the toe. Other symptoms may include redness, swelling, stiffness, pain while walking, or difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

A rigid hammertoe may also affect balance or change how you walk.

Why Does Early Hammertoe Care Matter?

Flexible hammertoes are generally easier to manage than rigid deformities. Treatment may include roomier shoes, padding, stretching, splinting, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure and address contributing foot mechanics. These measures may relieve symptoms and help slow progression, although they cannot reverse every deformity.

Schedule an evaluation if a toe is becoming increasingly curled, painful, stiff, or irritated by footwear. Surgery may be considered when conservative care does not relieve significant pain or the toe has become rigid.

For evaluation and treatment of curling toes or hammertoes, the team at Syracuse Podiatry can help! We provide personalized treatment plans designed to relieve discomfort, improve foot function, and help you stay active for years to come. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Colin Kalabanka can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.