Curly Toes

What is a curly toe?

A curly toe is a common condition, usually affecting the little toes. The toe bends downwards and twists under the next toe. It often runs in families and is usually noticed in childhood.

Most curly toes do not cause problems. In some cases, however, they can lead to:

·       Pain or discomfort.

·       Corns or calluses where the toes rub.

·       Difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

Why might I need surgery?

Surgery is considered if:

·       The curly toe is painful, either on walking or in footwear.

·       Non-surgical treatments (such as toe-stretching exercises, padding, toe spacers or shoe changes) have not helped.

What does the operation involve?

The aim of the surgery is to straighten the toe. The exact procedure depends on your age and the severity of the deformity:

·       In children: A small release of the tight tendon in the toe (called a flexor tenotomy) is often enough.

The procedure is usually done under a general anaesthetic (asleep). Most patients go home the same day.

Benefits of surgery

·       Straighter toe position.

·       Relief from pain and rubbing.

·       Better comfort in footwear.

·       Improved appearance of the toe.

Risks and complications

As with any operation, there are risks. These include:

·       Infection.

·       Bleeding or swelling.

·       Stiffness or reduced movement of the toe.

·       Recurrence (the toe curling again).

·       Over-correction (toe sticks up slightly).

·       Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare).

Recovery and rehabilitation

·       You will usually be able to walk carefully in a protective shoe or sandal straight after surgery.

·       Stitches are normally dissolvable after 2–3 weeks, and does not need to be removed.

·       You should keep the foot elevated as much as possible for the first few days to reduce swelling.

·       Normal footwear is usually possible after 4–6 weeks.

·       Return to sports or high-impact activity may take 6–8 weeks.

Looking after yourself after surgery

·       Keep your dressing and wound clean and dry for 2 weeks after surgery.

·       Elevate your foot to help reduce swelling.

·       Take pain relief as prescribed.

·       Follow Mr Tang’s instructions about footwear and activity.

When to seek help

Contact my team if you notice:

·       Increasing pain not controlled with medication.

·       Redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound.

·       Fever or feeling unwell.

·       Numbness or loss of blood supply to the toe (toe becomes very pale, cold, or blue).

Frequently asked questions

Will my toe be completely straight after surgery? Most toes are much straighter, but sometimes a slight curve remains. The goal is to reduce pain and improve comfort rather than achieve a perfectly straight toe.

Is the surgery painful? Some discomfort is normal for a few days, normally 7-10 days after surgery, but pain medication will help.

Can the curly toe come back? Yes, in some cases the toe may curl again, particularly in children. However, most patients remain comfortable.