Why does toes curl

In addition to causing mild neuropathy, autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus , can cause joint damage to occur in feet. This can lead to claw toes or hammertoes.

When left untreated, crooked toes may cause complications that make it difficult or uncomfortable for you to walk or be mobile. They include:. How you treat a crooked toe will depend on how severe and long-lasting the condition has been. If your toes are still flexible, lifestyle changes may be enough to correct the condition.

If rigidity has already occurred, more aggressive medical solutions may be required. If your toes are flexible and can resume their natural alignment, changing your footwear may be enough to correct the problem. Instead of high heels, opt for lower, stacked heels or flats, and save the stiletto heels for short-term special occasions. Also choose roomy shoes that provide enough space for your toes to lie flat, and fan out.

Placing toe pads or insoles inside your shoes may also help alleviate discomfort and support the toe to resume its proper alignment. Foot exercises designed to stretch the muscles and tendons of the toes may help. Try picking up small objects with your toes, or using them to crumple soft fabric, such as a towel. Working with a physical therapist may also be beneficial.

Anecdotal evidence indicates that using a toe spacing tool can be beneficial for alleviating crooked toe. Toe spacing tools are available over-the-counter. They can be worn with shoes, or alone, during sleep. Toe taping is not typically recommended for infants born with congenital crooked toe.

However, one small study showed a significant improvement in 94 percent of infants who had toe taping done for underlapping or overlapping toe. If your toe is flexible, your doctor may recommend keeping it in a straightened position with the help of a splint, toe wrap, or other types of orthotic devices.

Surgery may involve cutting or removing a small section of the toe joint and rotating the toe into a straight position. Your doctor may also remove sections of bone that are injured or crooked. The techniques used to correct crooked toe are typically done on an outpatient basis. Treatment for Curled Toes Here are some of the best ways to fix curled toes: 1.

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Get Started. Our Products. The digits press painfully into the soles of your shoes when you try to walk. The tops of your toes may also rub against your footwear and result in corns. There are two classifications for this condition—flexible and rigid. Flexible claw toes can still be straightened by hand. Rigid ones have stiffened and become fixed in the bent position.

The more the condition has progressed, the more uncomfortable it is, and the more it risks becoming permanent. Often times, a painful corn or callus forms on the top of a claw toe, caused by the rigid bent position of the toe. To avoid permanently curled toes, you need to have your feet evaluated and treated by specialists before the problem advances too far. The podiatrists at Country Foot Care will examine your lower limbs thoroughly and look for the underlying problem that led to the condition.

You may need diagnostic imaging so that the doctors can have a clearer picture of your lower limbs. Then you can move forward with conservative treatment. Look for models with wide, deep toe boxes that allow your digits to move. You may need orthotics to correct any preexisting conditions that encouraged the toes to curl under. You should also stretch out your toes regularly to try to loosen the tightened tissues. Some physical therapy exercises can help you fight the imbalance as well.

Our footwear specialists and chiropodists will help match your foot shape, structure, and alignment to specific shoes and footwear features that answer to your corrective, supportive, or accommodative needs. Alternatively, muscle imbalances can cause curled toes.

These imbalances can occur due to a variety of reasons including faulty biomechanics, long toes, neuromuscular disease, systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes , and and genetics.

As mentioned, the best treatment for curled toes is to invest and choose the proper footwear. If necessary, custom foot orthotics may be of benefit as well depending on your gait and foot type. Visit us in-store at Bloor St. W in Toronto. Looking for footwear? No appointment necessary, and we carry Industry-leading Products. At-home exercises and stretches are the best form of DIY to help prevent and treat curled toes.