Orthopedics - Blog

Toe deformities: why they occur and how to treat them

Toe deformities are quite common and can be treated effectively. Find out how.

By Joaquim Chaves Saúde

2025-10-20

4 min of reading

Related Tags

Orthopaedics

Toe deformities: causes and treatment – Joaquim Chaves Saúde

Toe deformities affect approximately 20% of the population and are a common cause of pain and disability, as well as creating major discomfort due to structural and aesthetic changes in the feet. Find out why they occur and what treatments are available.

What are toe deformities?

Toe deformities are structural alterations that affect toe shape and position. Patients can be born with these disorders or acquire them throughout life, due to factors such as wearing unsuitable footwear, injuries, arthritis or other underlying medical conditions.
Some of the most common toe deformities include bunions, claw toes or overlapping toes. These disorders can be flexible (straightened manually) or rigid (fixed), which influences the therapeutic approach.

What are the symptoms of toe deformities?

The symptoms of toe deformities depend on the type and severity of the deformity. The most common include:

Pain

Pain is one of the principal symptoms of toe deformities. It can be constant, throbbing or sharp. The patient may feel pain on the sole of the foot and/or in the affected joints.
Heat

Heat is a sign of local inflammation and is another common manifestation of toe deformities. This can be felt around the affected joint or in the surrounding areas.
Redness

The skin around toe deformities may become red due to swelling and increased blood flow. The redness can be more evident during or after activities that increase pressure on the affected area.
Calluses

Toe deformities can lead to calluses, due to excessive pressure from footwear on the deformed toes. Sores or ulcers can also form.
Intolerance to closed toe footwear

Changes in toe shape and position can make it difficult to wear closed shoes. Toe deformities may require the use of special footwear to accommodate the altered structure.
Restricted movement

Some deformities can restrict movement of the affected toes, impairing activities such as walking, running or bending the toes.

What are the causes of toe deformities?

Toe deformities have various causes. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of the deformity requires the right medical assessment by an Orthopaedic Specialist. Some of the factors that can lead to the development of toe deformities include:

Family history

Some toe deformities can be hereditary, which means that people with relatives who suffer from this condition are more likely to develop it.

Unsuitable footwear

Frequent use of tight or high-heeled footwear can put excessive pressure on toes, leading to the gradual development of deformities.

Injuries

Some foot injuries, like bone fractures, sprains or torn ligaments can cause toe deformities. Joints may become unstable, thus altering the toe position.

Arthritis

Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, can affect toe joints.

Neuromuscular disorders

Certain neuromuscular disorders, such as stroke, poliomyelitis and cerebral palsy, among others, can cause muscle weakness and imbalance, resulting in toe deformities.

Ageing

Foot ligaments and tendons tend to weaken with age, leading to changes in toe structure.

How are toe deformities treated?

Treatment for toe deformities depends on the severity of the condition, the symptoms and the underlying cause. The most common treatment options include:

1. Suitable footwear

Choosing comfortable footwear with a sufficient toe box can help relieve the pressure on deformities and increase comfort. It is advisable to choose footwear that is the right size and does not have high heels.
2. Orthotics and auxiliary devices

The use of orthotics, such as special insoles, toe spacers or arch supports, can help relieve pressure on the affected areas and distribute the weight on feet more evenly.
3. Exercises and stretches

Performing specific exercises to strengthen foot and toe muscles, as well as stretching to improve flexibility, can be helpful in treating deformities. A Physiotherapist or Podiatrist can indicate the most suitable exercises.
4. Medication

In some cases, medications like painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to relieve the pain and swelling associated with toe deformities. This treatment should always be prescribed by a physician.
5. Surgery

In severe cases, or when the conservative treatments described above do not provide enough relief, surgery may be considered. The goal is to correct anatomical structures, realign bones, remove bone growths, or repair tendons and ligaments. Surgery can be performed through a traditional open procedure or a less invasive method. Currently, and when applicable, Medicine allows for interventions using small incisions, providing a faster and less painful recovery.

Treating toe deformities at Joaquim Chaves Saúde

The Orthopedics team at Joaquim Chaves Saúde is ready to treat toe deformities according to the most advanced medical protocols available. Appointments can be made in your personal section of our website, through our App or by phone.

Schedule your consultation now and count on our support to help you restore your foot function and quality of life soon.

Clinical Team

We have a team of doctors and health professionals, specialists in various areas, available to give you the support you need.

Medic-coordinator
Manuel Resende Sousa
Speciality/Service
Orthopedics
Key areas of expertise
Foot and ankle pathology - forefoot deformities (hallux valgus, claw toes, among others), Flat feet, Cavus feet, Inflammatory pathology (rheumatoid arthropathy, uric arthropathy, among others), Degenerative pathology (ankle arthrosis, hindfoot, among others), Diabetic feet, Sports arthroscopy and traumatology, Traumatology and post-traumatic deformities
Healthcare Units
Clínica de Sintra, Clínica Cirúrgica de Carcavelos, Clínica de Miraflores, Clínica de Cascais
Book an appointment View profile