Pain Management Health Center

Toes that bend in an odd direction

People with certain foot types, such as people with very high or low arches, may develop bent toes. Toes that bend in an odd position at one or more joints can cause pain and discomfort, especially while you are walking. This is because your toe presses and rubs against your shoe. Calluses or corns often develop from a bent toe pressing and rubbing against shoes.

The most common cause of the big toe bending toward the second toe is a bunion. See an illustration of a bunion . The little toe may bend in and under the fourth toe because of a bump (bunionette or Tailor's bunion) on the joint at the base of the little toe. See an illustration of a bunionette . For more information, see the topic Bunions in Related Information.

Toes, other than the big toe, that bend in an odd direction may be hammer toes, mallet toes, or claw toes. For more information, see the topic Hammer, Claw, and Mallet Toes in Related Information.

Bent toes may also be caused by:

• Joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
• Brain, spinal cord, nerve injury, or a stroke, especially in the case of claw toes.
• Lack of use. A person who is confined to a bed or wheelchair may develop shortened muscles (contractures). This may lead to toe joint deformities.
• Poor blood circulation to the feet. This is more often seen in people who smoke or have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an impaired immune system.
• Genetics. Toe joint problems may be inherited.
• Poor walking mechanics, such as your foot rolling in toward the arch (excessive pronation).
• Footwear that doesn't fit properly.

Toe-joint deformities easily lead to irritated skin. People who have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and impaired immune systems are more likely to develop complications from a foot infection when the skin of their toes becomes irritated.