In short
Lesser toe deformities are bent, curled or overlapping toes other than the big toe, such as hammer, claw, mallet and curly toes. They rub in shoes, causing corns and pain. Roomy shoes, padding and taping help many people. If the toes stay painful, surgery straightens them, usually by releasing tight tendons and sometimes fusing a small toe joint, and often treats a cause such as a bunion at the same time.
What are lesser toe deformities?
They are changes in the shape or position of the second to fifth toes. They often happen alongside a bunion or a tight calf, and can be flexible at first before becoming fixed and stiff.
What are the different types?
| Type | What it looks like | Common causes |
|---|---|---|
| Hammer toe | Bent upwards at the middle joint, usually the second, third or fourth toe | Tight shoes, muscle imbalance, a bunion pushing on the toe |
| Mallet toe | Bent down at the joint nearest the tip | Tight shoes, muscle imbalance |
| Claw toe | Bent up where the toe meets the foot and down at the middle and end joints, often all four smaller toes | Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, nerve conditions, a high-arched foot |
| Curly toe | Curls under the neighbouring toe, most often the fourth or fifth | Often present from childhood, tight shoes |
| Overlapping (crossover) toe | One toe rides over another, often the second toe over the big toe | A bunion, ligament damage under the toe, footwear |
What are the symptoms?
- Pain over the top of the bent joint or at the tip of the toe
- Corns and calluses where the toe rubs
- Pain under the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia)
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
Treatment without surgery
- Footwear. A wide, deep toe box and low heel take pressure off the toes.
- Padding and protection. Gel sleeves and pads cushion corns.
- Taping and splints. Hold flexible toes in a straighter position.
- Insoles. Redistribute pressure under the ball of the foot.
- Exercises. Stretching and strengthening the small foot muscles, and calf stretches.
- Pain relief. Paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines.
Toe correction surgery
Surgery is tailored to each toe and usually combines several small procedures. It may also treat the cause, for example a tight calf or a bunion.
- Tendon release or lengthening for flexible deformities.
- Joint resection. Removing a small piece of bone so a stiff toe can straighten.
- Fusion (arthrodesis). Joining the bones of the bent joint so the toe stays straight.
- Osteotomy. Shortening or realigning the metatarsal bone (for example a Weil osteotomy) to correct a dislocated joint or pressure under the ball of the foot.
Images from Prof Mason's practice
X-rays shown with patient identifiers removed. Results vary between patients.
Common questions
What can I expect after toe surgery?
Pain and swelling are common at first and are managed with painkillers and keeping the foot raised. The corrected toe is often held with a fine wire that comes out of the tip of the toe for a few weeks, removed painlessly in clinic. Taping is usually needed for around 12 weeks to keep the toes in position, and you will have regular follow-up.
Will my toes be stiff after surgery?
If a toe joint is fused, the toe will be straight but stiff at that joint. Most people find this much better than a painful bent toe, although some notice they can no longer grip with their smaller toes.
How successful is toe deformity surgery?
Most patients have a clear improvement in pain and toe position. Results depend on the type of deformity, other foot problems and following the aftercare plan. The risks of surgery are explained at your consultation and in the patient information section.
Talk it through with a specialist
Consultations at Spire Liverpool, Salford and the Isle of Man. New patients £250.
Consultant Foot and Ankle Surgeon, MB BCh, PhD, FRCS (Tr&Orth), FRCS (Glasg), SFHEA, FFSTEd. GMC 6074953. Hunterian Professor, Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Page last reviewed 25 October 2026. This information is general and does not replace an assessment.
Prof Mason's published research on this topic
Peer-reviewed papers by Prof Mason and his colleagues. Links open the paper or its PubMed record.
- Mason LW, Jayatilaka MLT, Fisher A, Fisher L, Swanton E, Molloy A. Anatomy of the lateral plantar ligaments of the transverse metatarsal arch. Foot & Ankle International, 2020.
- Dave M, Mason LW, Hariharan K. Forefoot deformity in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparison of shod and non-shod populations. Foot & Ankle Specialist, 2015.