Hammer toes are toes that bend at the middle joint, creating a raised knuckle that can rub in shoes. In children, bent or curly toes are often present from birth. This page explains hammer toes in children and how footwear, padding and orthotic offloading may help.
A hammer toe bends upwards at the joint closest to the foot and downwards at the middle joint, forming a raised knuckle. Related toe shapes include claw toes, where more than one joint is bent, and curly toes, a common condition in babies and toddlers where a toe curls under its neighbour.
Curly toes in young children often improve or cause no symptoms. In older children, hammer or claw toes may be associated with muscle imbalance, footwear that is too short or narrow, and foot posture, particularly high arches. Toes that become more clawed over time, especially with high arches, may need medical review.
Symptoms usually come from pressure: rubbing on the top of the knuckle, corns at the tip of the toe, or discomfort under the ball of the foot. Podiatry care focuses on reducing pressure with footwear changes, padding, toe devices and orthotic therapy. Hammer toes are often seen alongside overlapping toes.
Children may not always describe symptoms clearly, so parents often notice changes in walking, activity or footwear first. Common signs include:
A podiatry assessment considers your child’s growth stage, symptoms, foot posture, walking pattern, activity levels and footwear.
Assesses toe flexibility and pressure areas.
Checks arch height and forefoot loading.
Checks shoe length, depth and toe room.
Basic foot and leg strength checks.
Medical review for progressive clawing or one-sided changes.
Management is tailored to your child’s age, activity level, foot posture and goals.
Orthotic therapy may be considered to reduce pressure on the toes and ball of the foot. Foot orthoses can help redistribute forefoot pressure, and may include metatarsal padding, while silicone toe props and protective sleeves can reduce friction on knuckles and toe tips.
These approaches aim to improve comfort; they may not straighten the toe. For flexible toes, a podiatrist may also discuss toe-strengthening exercises.
May reduce pressure on toe knuckles and tips.
Correct length and a deep, wide toe box.
Toe exercises for flexible toes.
Management of corns and nail pressure.
Review as your child grows.
When toes are rigid, progressive or painful despite care.
Learn more about orthotic therapy, strengthening, stretching and strapping, or view all treatments. Related kids conditions include overlapping toes, high arches, sesamoid pain, plantar warts, frequent tripping.
Assessment may be helpful if toes are painful, rubbing in shoes, or if you notice changes in toe shape.
Please see your GP if toes become more clawed over time, if changes affect one foot only, or occur with high arches, weakness, frequent tripping or changes in walking.
Curly toes curl under a neighbouring toe and are common in young children. Hammer toes bend at the middle joint, creating a raised knuckle.
Many curly toes cause no symptoms and do not need treatment. Painful or problematic toes can be assessed.
Orthoses and toe devices may help reduce pressure and improve comfort, but may not change toe shape.
Toes that become increasingly clawed, especially with high arches or weakness, should be reviewed by a doctor.
We create a calm, supportive space to help children feel comfortable during assessment.
Where appropriate, prefabricated and custom foot orthoses are discussed based on assessment findings.
We help parents understand what is normal, what may need monitoring, and what can be supported.
Our clinic is located at 1/50 Kitchener Parade, Bankstown, and sees families from across Sydney, including Bankstown, Condell Park, Padstow, Revesby, Lakemba and Belmore. Visit our children’s podiatry page for more kids foot conditions, read about our clinic, or contact the clinic to make an appointment enquiry.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual assessment and advice. Outcomes vary between children. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please consult your GP or a registered health practitioner.
