Is there anything I can do to straighten my toe out?

Q: I am no longer able to straighten my second toe.  It does not hurt but I don’t like the way it looks when I wear flip-flops.  Is there anything I can do to straighten it out?

A: A bent toe is typically due to ligamentous instability surrounding the toe joint.  Depending on the progression of the deformity (whether or not it is rigid or still flexible) there are several options.  Conservative treatment would be shoe alterations and physical therapy for foot strengthening and addressing your walking form.  Surgical treatment is typically reserved for more fixed deformities but can help with further progression of the toe deformity and involves suturing torn structures around the joint.