HealthInfo Canterbury
Curly toes
Matiwae koromikomiko
If your tamaiti (child) is born with curly toes, it means their toes curl under one another. This is usually caused by their toe's tendon being too tight, and typically affects their third and fourth toes the most.
Curly toes will most likely improve on their own as your tamaiti grows. Having curly toes won't affect their development or ability to start walking. But it's best to ask your GP to check your child if:
- the curly toes aren't improving on their own
- the curly toes are causing problems with your child's skin or nails when they wear shoes
- you're concerned about your child's condition.
If curly toes are causing a problem after your tamaiti is 5 years old, they may need a minor operation. Taping the toes doesn’t help.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Sydney Children's Hospital Network – Curly toes
A small factsheet that outlines the core information for parents and guardians of tamariki (children) with curly toes.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2022.
SourcesReview key: HICLF-132158
