An underlapping pinky toe—sometimes called a curly toe or overlapping toe—happens when the smallest toe curves downward and slides underneath the fourth toe causing foot pain. While it may seem like a minor issue, this condition can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even trouble walking because of foot pain, if left untreated.
It can affect anyone, from infants to older adults. For some, it’s present from birth. For others, it develops over time due to lifestyle or health factors.
Let’s break down the common causes and available treatment options from a podiatrist for an underlapping pinky toe, so you can take confident steps toward foot pain relief.
Causes of an Underlapping Pinky Toe
There’s no one-size-fits-all reason for this condition, but several factors can play a role:
Genetics
If your parents or grandparents had underlapping or overlapping toes, there’s a higher chance you might, too. Toe structure and alignment can run in families.
Arthritis
Joint inflammation and stiffness, especially from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, can alter how the toes line up causing foot pain.
Flat Feet
Having flat feet changes how your weight is distributed. This can place extra pressure on certain toes, contributing to misalignment causing foot pain.
Nerve Damage
Neuropathy or nerve-related issues may weaken the small muscles in your feet, causing the pinky toe to shift or curl underneath the adjacent toe causing foot pain.
Other Foot Deformities
Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or even a longer-than-normal second toe can lead to imbalance and toe crowding, which might push the pinky toe out of place causing foot pain.
Muscle Imbalance
Our toes rely on a delicate balance of muscles and tendons. If one group is too tight or too weak, the pinky toe can be pulled under causing foot pain.
Previous Foot Injuries Causing FootPain
An old injury to the foot or toe could change how your toe joints move, eventually leading to an underlapping pinky toe.
Tight Shoes
Wearing narrow or poorly fitting shoes (especially pointy-toe styles) can push the toes together, increasing the risk of overlap causing foot pain.
Abnormal Gait
The way you walk matters. A change in your gait or posture can put extra stress on specific toes over time causing foot pain.
Treatment Options for an Underlapping Pinky Toe
There are a variety of approaches to help correct or manage this condition, depending on its severity:
Conservative Therapies from a Board-Certified Podiatrist
For mild cases, non-invasive solutions may do the trick:
- Toe spacers or splints to realign the toe
- Taping techniques to gently hold the toe in place
- Orthotic inserts or custom shoes to relieve pressure
- Padding to prevent rubbing or calluses
Physical Therapy
Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and balance in your foot muscles. A podiatrist or physical therapist can guide you through a plan that fits your needs.
Surgery for Foot Pain
If conservative treatments aren’t enough or the toe causes significant pain or functional issues, a podiatrist may recommend surgery. Surgical procedures can release tight tendons or correct bone position to realign the toe for foot pain relief.
Related Conditions
While dealing with an underlapping pinky toe, you might also hear about or encounter related foot issues, such as:
- Hammertoe or Mallet Toe – Conditions that cause a bend in one of the toe joints.
- Bunions and Bunionettes – Bony bumps that form on the joint of the big toe or little toe.
- Overlapping Toes – When one toe crosses over another, usually the second toe over the big toe.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your underlapping pinky toe is causing foot pain, affecting your balance, or making it hard to find comfortable shoes, don’t wait to get it checked out. At Your Total Foot Care Specialist, our board-certified podiatrists have over 30 years of experience treating foot pain like this with personalized care and advanced solutions.
We’re here to help you say goodbye to foot pain—so you can enjoy every step again.
Call us today at (281) 395-3338 or book an appointment online!
