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Categories
Health
Musculoskeletal System Health
Leg and Foot Health
Toe Health
How to Straighten Toes Download Article Medically reviewed by Troy A. Miles, MD
Last Updated: July 6, 2025
Download Article
Diagnosing Your Condition
|
Dealing With Bunions
|
Dealing With Dislocations
|
Dealing With Other Malformations
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was medically reviewed by Troy A. Miles, MD. Dr. Miles is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Adult Joint Reconstruction in California. He received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2010, followed by a residency at the Oregon Health & Science University and fellowship at the University of California, Davis. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the North Pacific Orthopaedic Society. This article has been viewed 555,766 times.
Toes can become crooked when they are subjected to chronic pressure and stress, which is a common outcome of wearing narrow-toed, high-heeled shoes. Ligaments and tendons surrounding the joints get warped, causing toes to become misaligned and inflamed. The big toe is most susceptible to this kind of injury, commonly called a bunion. Toes can also become crooked from fractures and dislocations if they experience significant enough trauma. Various other malformations can also impact the alignment of your toes. If caught early enough (depending on the cause), you might be able to straighten crooked toes with various nonsurgical treatments, but if the problem continues for too long, you may need corrective surgery.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 4:
Diagnosing Your Condition
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1 Make an appointment with your family doctor. If you've noticed that one or more of your toes are crooked, especially if pain or inflammation is involved, then make an appointment to see your doctor. Your family doctor is well-trained to be able to rule out anything serious (such as a fracture or infection), but remember your family doctor is not joint or foot specialist, so you may need to see a more specialized health professional to get the correct diagnosis.
Your doctor may decide to take an X-ray of your foot to get a better idea of the problem.
Your doctor may take blood from you and check your glucose levels because foot problems are common for people with diabetes.
2 Get a referral to an orthopedic specialist. Orthopods are joint specialists who correct joint problems via braces, splints, surgery or other invasive methods. You likely won't require surgery for your crooked toe, but your orthopod can correctly diagnose joint problems, evaluate whether arthritis is a factor, and prescribe anti-inflammatories or analgesics (painkillers) if needed.
Your orthopedist may also want to take an X-ray, bone scan, MRI, or diagnostic ultrasound to ascertain and properly diagnose your foot condition.
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3 See a podiatrist. They are a subspecialty of orthopedics focused on the foot and ankle, trained and board-certified exclusively in the surgical treatment of conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and complex deformities. Podiatrists also support overall foot health through the use of orthotics, braces, and shoe recommendations.
A podiatrist can help you choose the best shoes for your foot structure and condition.
Physical therapists, chiropractors, and naturopaths may also be good sources of information regarding foot/toe conditions and offer natural, non-invasive treatments.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 4:
Dealing With Bunions
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1 Take care of the pain. A bunion is a chronically sprained and inflamed joint that forms when the big toe is constantly pushed towards the smaller toes, usually by wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes that are too narrow (such as high heels). Flat feet also contribute to bunion formation, which can mimic rheumatoid or osteoarthritis because of the inflammation, redness, and dull, achy pain involved. As bunions progress, the big toe becomes more crooked and generates more pain, which may lead to limping and other joint problems in the ankle or knee.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) or analgesics (such as acetaminophen) can combat the swelling and pain caused by bunions.
If the pain is severe, stronger medications may be prescribed by your family doctor or orthopod (such as COX-2 inhibitors or morphine-based drugs).
Steroid injections directly into the joint can be effective for combating pain and inflammation.
2 Change your shoes. The vast majority of bunions occur in women who wear shoes that are too narrow. Changing to shoes that have a wider toe box and better arch support can certainly stop the progression and pain of a bunion, but it probably won't straighten the big toe back to its normal position. After giving up high-fashion shoes, if the bunion is still painful and limits activity, then surgery should be considered.
You should be able to wiggle your toes while your shoes are on.
There should be at least 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of space between the tips of your big toes and the end of your shoes while standing up.
Athletic shoes and walking sandals are generally good choices.
3 Get a splint. Taping a plastic, wooden or metal splint around the affected toe might help reduce the pain and realign the joint, depending on how long you've had the bunion. Silicone or felt pads worn on the feet or as shoe inserts may also relieve bunion pain, but it depends on the degree of joint damage. Orthopods, podiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors could all be of help with splints or shoe orthotics.
Arch supports and orthotics realign the shape of your foot during usage, correcting balance and weight distribution throughout the muscles of your feet and toes.
Massages, gentle stretching, and ice baths may also help reduce the pain and dysfunction of bunions.
4 Consider bunion surgery. Bunion surgery often involves shaving the bone and/or strategically breaking it so it can be set straight.[1]XResearch source Surgical pins and wires are often needed to hold the toe bones in place while you heal. For severely damaged joints, the joint might be fused together or even completely removed and replaced with an artificial joint. The goal of surgery is pain relief and increased mobility, not to create a "prettier" foot or make it possible to wear high-heel shoes again. If tight, pointy shoes are worn after surgery, then most likely the bunion will come back.
Bunion correction is an outpatient surgery. After the surgery, the foot is covered with a bulky, compressive bandage.
Bone typically takes six weeks to heal, so wearing a protective boot for a minimum of six weeks after surgery is common. During this time, avoid excessive or unnecessary walking.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 4:
Dealing With Dislocations
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1 Get your toe realigned. Toe dislocations are a relatively common consequence of foot trauma, whether it's accidental (such as stubbing your toe) or intentional (such as kicking a soccer ball). A dislocated toe is certainly painful and looks misaligned, but it doesn't usually involve a fracture. Realigning the dislocated toe with some sort of manual procedure or adjustment (practiced by medical doctors, podiatrists and chiropractors), is the most appropriate treatment. Pain relief often follows immediately after treatment.
Dislocations don't often spontaneously realign without intervention from a health professional.
The longer a joint is dislocated, the greater the chance of permanent ligament and/or tendon damage, so getting treatment soon after injury is important.
2 Support your toe until it heals. Once your toe joint is realigned again, it's important to support it with a splint or strong medical tape because the ligaments and tendons that keep the joint straight may be temporarily stretched or weakened. As a consequence, the newly straightened toe may be somewhat unstable for a few days until the connective tissues can strengthen.
Consider making your own splint with popsicle sticks and trainer's tape.
3 Strengthen your toe with exercises. Shortly after your dislocated toe has been realigned and stabilized, you should strengthen it with specific exercises. Towel curls (using your toes to crumple up or pick up a towel from the floor) and marble pick-ups (picking up marbles from the floor with your toes) work well for strengthening the tendons and muscles of your toes and foot.
Talk to your doctor before beginning a toe exercise routine, especially if you have other medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.
If these exercises do not work well or are painful to perform, see a physical therapist or podiatrist for more personalized assistance.
Advertisement Method 4 Method 4 of 4:
Dealing With Other Malformations
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1 Get your hammertoe fixed. Hammertoe, also known as a contracted toe, is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toe caused by a contraction at the most proximal joint, which results in a hammer-like appearance. Hammertoes are usually flexible in the initial stages but may become rigid if they are not treated appropriately. Hammertoes are caused by wearing shoes that are too small or too narrow, or by wearing high heels that put excessive pressure on the muscle groups of the toes.
Hammertoe can be fixed by surgery (cutting and stretching the contracted tendon, then placing a metal pin/wire next to the joint for support), or aggressive stretching regimens on a daily basis. Splints and supports can also be effective for alleviating hammertoe.
Use your fingers to massage around the toe, then manually pull (stretch) the hammertoe, holding each stretch for several seconds. Continue this routine multiple times daily for weeks or until you see substantial improvement.
2 Get your claw toe fixed. Claw toe means that your toe becomes hooked in appearance due to contraction (flexion) of the proximal and distal joints, which forces the end of the toe to dig into the shoe's sole. Painful calluses or corns develop at the very end of the affected toe. Claw toes are caused by wearing shoes that are too small and also by some diseases (such as diabetes) or conditions (tendon contractions).
Claw toes can also be fixed by similar surgical methods used for hammertoe, which includes cutting and stretching the contracted tendons.
Try walking on the tips of your toes, which will cause extension (and stretching) of the contracted tendons/joints.
3 Get your mallet toe fixed. Mallet toe is similar to claw toe but involves abnormal positioning only at the most distal joint (at the end of the toe). Mallet toe is commonly caused by shoes that are too tight in the toe box or ones that possess high heels. The forces these shoes place on your feet cause unnatural bending of your toes.
Mallet toes can also be fixed by similar surgical methods used for hammertoes and claw toes — cutting and stretching the contracted tendons.
Every attempt should be made to spread your toes while barefoot. A toe-spacing product can be worn to help re-approximate your toes to the correct anatomical position.
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Tips
The most common symptoms associated with crooked toes include: toe pain (often an achy and/or burning sensation), swelling and redness, callus formation, tendon contracture, toe shortening and limping. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
To minimize further inflammation in your toe joints, place moleskin pads or similar products in between your toes to prevent them from rubbing together. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If a callus forms on your bunion, soak your foot in a warm foot bath with Epsom salts for 15 minutes (to soften it up) before lightly exfoliated it with a pumice stone. It may take three to five treatments over the course of a few weeks to completely remove the hardened callus. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Medically reviewed by: Troy A. Miles, MD Orthopedic Surgeon This article was medically reviewed by Troy A. Miles, MD. Dr. Miles is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Adult Joint Reconstruction in California. He received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2010, followed by a residency at the Oregon Health & Science University and fellowship at the University of California, Davis. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the North Pacific Orthopaedic Society. This article has been viewed 555,766 times. 23 votes - 72% Co-authors: 17Updated: July 6, 2025 Views: 555,766 Categories: Toe Health
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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Article SummaryX
To straighten toes when you're dealing with bunions, wear a wooden or metal splint around the affected toe to help reduce pain and realign the joint. If you dislocated a toe, make sure a professional realigns the joint, then support the toe with a splint or strong medical tape until it heals. Conditions like hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe can be evaluated and corrected by a foot or orthopedic specialist! For tips on choosing the right specialist for your condition, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Feb 19, 2017
"I did not even know the name of the condition I suffered from, but through the article, I got to know it was a bunion. The article gave me a relief when I learned it could be corrected. I never even knew there was a condition like that, thought I was the only one."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Medically reviewed by: Troy A. Miles, MD Orthopedic Surgeon 23 votes - 72% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 17Updated: July 6, 2025 Views: 555,766
Anonymous
Feb 19, 2017
"I did not even know the name of the condition I suffered from, but through the article, I got to know it was a bunion. The article gave me a relief when I learned it could be corrected. I never even knew there was a condition like that, thought I was the only one."..." more
Charles Chae
Sep 13, 2016
"It helped me to clearly understand the nature of the symptoms related to my toes and also what to do next."
Anonymous
Feb 21, 2017
"I was expecting sort of a DIY to straighten a bunion, but I learned something."
Adi Murthy
Aug 4, 2016
"Good to know, every article is in very simple English."
David
Mar 1, 2017
"I fixed my toes with this." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Medically reviewed by: Troy A. Miles, MD Orthopedic Surgeon This article was medically reviewed by Troy A. Miles, MD. Dr. Miles is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Adult Joint Reconstruction in California. He received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2010, followed by a residency at the Oregon Health & Science University and fellowship at the University of California, Davis. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the North Pacific Orthopaedic Society. This article has been viewed 555,766 times. 23 votes - 72% Co-authors: 17 Updated: July 6, 2025 Views: 555,766 Categories: Toe Health 
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1 Make an appointment with your family doctor. If you've noticed that one or more of your toes are crooked, especially if pain or inflammation is involved, then make an appointment to see your doctor. Your family doctor is well-trained to be able to rule out anything serious (such as a fracture or infection), but remember your family doctor is not joint or foot specialist, so you may need to see a more specialized health professional to get the correct diagnosis. 
2 Get a referral to an orthopedic specialist. Orthopods are joint specialists who correct joint problems via braces, splints, surgery or other invasive methods. You likely won't require surgery for your crooked toe, but your orthopod can correctly diagnose joint problems, evaluate whether arthritis is a factor, and prescribe anti-inflammatories or analgesics (painkillers) if needed. 
3 See a podiatrist. They are a subspecialty of orthopedics focused on the foot and ankle, trained and board-certified exclusively in the surgical treatment of conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and complex deformities. Podiatrists also support overall foot health through the use of orthotics, braces, and shoe recommendations. 
1 Take care of the pain. A bunion is a chronically sprained and inflamed joint that forms when the big toe is constantly pushed towards the smaller toes, usually by wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes that are too narrow (such as high heels). Flat feet also contribute to bunion formation, which can mimic rheumatoid or osteoarthritis because of the inflammation, redness, and dull, achy pain involved. As bunions progress, the big toe becomes more crooked and generates more pain, which may lead to limping and other joint problems in the ankle or knee. 
2 Change your shoes. The vast majority of bunions occur in women who wear shoes that are too narrow. Changing to shoes that have a wider toe box and better arch support can certainly stop the progression and pain of a bunion, but it probably won't straighten the big toe back to its normal position. After giving up high-fashion shoes, if the bunion is still painful and limits activity, then surgery should be considered. 
3 Get a splint. Taping a plastic, wooden or metal splint around the affected toe might help reduce the pain and realign the joint, depending on how long you've had the bunion. Silicone or felt pads worn on the feet or as shoe inserts may also relieve bunion pain, but it depends on the degree of joint damage. Orthopods, podiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors could all be of help with splints or shoe orthotics. 
4 Consider bunion surgery. Bunion surgery often involves shaving the bone and/or strategically breaking it so it can be set straight.[1] Surgical pins and wires are often needed to hold the toe bones in place while you heal. For severely damaged joints, the joint might be fused together or even completely removed and replaced with an artificial joint. The goal of surgery is pain relief and increased mobility, not to create a "prettier" foot or make it possible to wear high-heel shoes again. If tight, pointy shoes are worn after surgery, then most likely the bunion will come back. 
1 Get your toe realigned. Toe dislocations are a relatively common consequence of foot trauma, whether it's accidental (such as stubbing your toe) or intentional (such as kicking a soccer ball). A dislocated toe is certainly painful and looks misaligned, but it doesn't usually involve a fracture. Realigning the dislocated toe with some sort of manual procedure or adjustment (practiced by medical doctors, podiatrists and chiropractors), is the most appropriate treatment. Pain relief often follows immediately after treatment. 
2 Support your toe until it heals. Once your toe joint is realigned again, it's important to support it with a splint or strong medical tape because the ligaments and tendons that keep the joint straight may be temporarily stretched or weakened. As a consequence, the newly straightened toe may be somewhat unstable for a few days until the connective tissues can strengthen. 
3 Strengthen your toe with exercises. Shortly after your dislocated toe has been realigned and stabilized, you should strengthen it with specific exercises. Towel curls (using your toes to crumple up or pick up a towel from the floor) and marble pick-ups (picking up marbles from the floor with your toes) work well for strengthening the tendons and muscles of your toes and foot. 
1 Get your hammertoe fixed. Hammertoe, also known as a contracted toe, is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toe caused by a contraction at the most proximal joint, which results in a hammer-like appearance. Hammertoes are usually flexible in the initial stages but may become rigid if they are not treated appropriately. Hammertoes are caused by wearing shoes that are too small or too narrow, or by wearing high heels that put excessive pressure on the muscle groups of the toes. 
2 Get your claw toe fixed. Claw toe means that your toe becomes hooked in appearance due to contraction (flexion) of the proximal and distal joints, which forces the end of the toe to dig into the shoe's sole. Painful calluses or corns develop at the very end of the affected toe. Claw toes are caused by wearing shoes that are too small and also by some diseases (such as diabetes) or conditions (tendon contractions). 
3 Get your mallet toe fixed. Mallet toe is similar to claw toe but involves abnormal positioning only at the most distal joint (at the end of the toe). Mallet toe is commonly caused by shoes that are too tight in the toe box or ones that possess high heels. The forces these shoes place on your feet cause unnatural bending of your toes. 
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