There are several types of crooked toes that can occur in a foot:

         1. HAMMERTOE -  A hammertoe is a crooked toe  that is flexed more than it

             should be at the first toe  joint, the proximal interphalangeal joint.

         2. CLAWTOE -  A clawtoe is a crooked toe that is flexed more than it should     

              be at both toe joints, the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal

              interphalangeal joints. The toes look like claws.

         3. MALLETTOE -  A mallettoe is a crooked to that is flexed at the last joint

             (distal interphalangeal joint) of the toe only.  The rest of the toe is straight.

         4. ADDUCTOVARUS TOE – This toe is a crooked toe that tries to move

             under its adjacent toe. This is commonly seen in the 4th and 5th toes and is a

             direct result of wearing shoes with tapered toeboxes.  It is seen to some

             degree in most people who wear shoes.  It is not seen is those who do not  

             wear shoes.

          5. CURLY TOE

If you are experiencing any of these crooked toe syndromes, you should see a foot care provider to learn strategies to reduce the progression of the crookedness, since the longer it persists, the more likely it is to become permanently rigid and require more extensive treatment sometimes consisting of surgery.

Physical therapy manipulation and stretching of the muscles and tendons surrounding the toes may provide some reduction of the deformity.  These stretches are performed within the foot as well as the lower leg as the major extensors and flexors of the foot originate in the lower leg and attach to the very last bone (distal phalanx) of the toes.

Wearing any heel on your shoes if you have crooked toes is a bad idea.  It will hasten the progression of the crooked toes, as it creates an imbalance of the flexors and extensors of your foot as well as the four layers of muscles in the bottom of the foot that try to help stabilize the toes during walking and standing.

Every attempt should be made to spread the toes when barefoot and in shoes as it increases the stability of the forefoot and strengthens the toes and muscles that attach to the toes.

When surgery is required it is geared towards making the toe straight as well as balancing the pull of the tendons surrounding the toe.  Often pins or wires are required to keep the toe in its correct position while it is healing.