Toe curling after a stroke is a common problem that can make standing and walking uncomfortable. Some stroke survivors notice that their toes curl under when they walk, while others experience painful cramping or find it difficult to keep their toes relaxed inside their shoes. Toe curling is often caused by changes in muscle control, spasticity or weakness following a stroke. Learn why toe curling happens, what treatments are available and practical ways to improve comfort and mobility.

After your stroke...

You begin walking again.

Slowly rebuilding your confidence.

But something doesn't feel right.

Your toes seem to curl underneath your foot.

Perhaps they grip the floor.

Or cramp painfully inside your shoes.

Walking becomes uncomfortable.

You may even feel as though you're standing on your own toes.

You begin wondering...

"Why are my toes curling?"

Or perhaps...

"Will this ever improve?"

The good news is...

Toe curling after a stroke is common, and many people find ways to improve it.

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The Good News

Toe curling often improves as recovery progresses and muscle control improves.

Even if symptoms persist, treatments such as stretching, physiotherapy, footwear changes and spasticity management can significantly reduce discomfort and improve walking.

Many stroke survivors experience meaningful improvements with the right rehabilitation approach.

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Why Does Toe Curling Happen After a Stroke?

A stroke can disrupt the signals between the brain and muscles.

This may cause certain muscles to become overactive while others remain weak.

Toe curling may occur because of:

✓ Spasticity (increased muscle tightness).

✓ Weakness in the muscles that lift the toes.

✓ Changes in balance and walking patterns.

✓ Increased muscle tone in the foot and calf.

✓ Changes in sensation or foot position awareness.

Often, several factors contribute at the same time.

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What Does Toe Curling Feel Like?

Symptoms vary from person to person.

You may notice:

✓ Toes curling underneath the foot.

✓ Cramping or tightness.

✓ Pain while walking.

✓ Difficulty fitting comfortably into shoes.

✓ Feeling as though you're standing on your toes.

✓ Increased discomfort when tired.

Symptoms often become worse with prolonged walking or fatigue.

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Is Toe Curling a Form of Spasticity?

Often, yes.

Spasticity is an increase in muscle tone that commonly develops after a stroke.

It can cause muscles to become tight or overactive.

When the muscles that bend the toes become overactive, the toes may curl involuntarily.

However, not all toe curling is caused entirely by spasticity.

Weakness and altered walking patterns may also contribute.

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Can Toe Curling Affect Walking?

Yes.

Toe curling can make walking more difficult by:

✓ Causing pain.

✓ Affecting balance.

✓ Altering foot position.

✓ Increasing fatigue.

✓ Increasing the risk of trips and falls.

Some people begin changing the way they walk to avoid discomfort, which can create additional problems elsewhere in the foot, ankle, knee or hip.

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Treatments That May Help

Several treatments may improve toe curling.

These include:

✓ Physiotherapy.

✓ Stretching exercises.

✓ Strengthening exercises.

✓ Spasticity management.

✓ Footwear modifications.

✓ Orthotic devices.

✓ Gait retraining.

Treatment should be tailored to the underlying cause.

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Stretching Exercises

Gentle stretching may help reduce tightness.

Exercises may include:

✓ Stretching the toes backwards.

✓ Calf stretches.

✓ Plantar fascia stretches.

✓ Gentle range-of-motion exercises.

Consistency is often more important than intensity.

Avoid forcing the toes into painful positions.

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Strengthening Weak Muscles

Weakness in the muscles that lift the foot and toes may contribute to curling.

Exercises may focus on:

✓ Toe extension.

✓ Ankle strengthening.

✓ Foot intrinsic muscle exercises.

✓ Balance exercises.

Improving strength and control can sometimes reduce excessive toe gripping.

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Check Your Footwear

Shoes that are too tight may worsen symptoms.

Helpful features may include:

✓ A wider toe box.

✓ Good arch support.

✓ Cushioned soles.

✓ Secure fastening.

Some people also benefit from custom orthotics.

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Can Toe Curling Improve?

Yes.

Many stroke survivors notice gradual improvement over time.

As muscle control improves and walking becomes more efficient, toe curling may become less severe.

Even when symptoms persist, treatment often helps reduce discomfort and improve function.

Recovery can continue for months and even years.

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Managing the Emotional Impact

Toe curling may seem like a small problem compared with other stroke symptoms.

But it can have a big impact.

You may feel:

✓ Frustrated.

✓ Discouraged.

✓ Limited by walking difficulties.

✓ Concerned about falling.

These feelings are understandable.

Remember...

Small symptoms can still have a significant effect on daily life.

Seeking help is important.

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When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Arrange an appointment with your healthcare professional if:

✓ Toe curling is becoming more painful.

✓ Walking is becoming more difficult.

✓ You are falling frequently.

✓ Your toes are becoming increasingly stiff.

✓ Symptoms are affecting your quality of life.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop:

✓ Sudden new weakness.

✓ New numbness.

✓ Facial drooping.

✓ Slurred speech.

✓ Sudden vision changes.

✓ A severe unexplained headache.

Treat any possible signs of another stroke as a medical emergency.

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My Perspective

After a stroke...

It's often the smaller symptoms that people don't talk about.

Toe curling can be surprisingly frustrating.

It can affect every step you take.

Every walk.

Every pair of shoes you wear.

But these symptoms deserve attention too.

Improving even small problems can make daily life much easier and help you feel more confident moving around.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is toe curling common after a stroke?

Yes.

Toe curling is relatively common and is often related to spasticity, weakness or altered muscle control.

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Will it go away?

For many people, toe curling improves with recovery and rehabilitation.

Others may continue to experience symptoms long term but can often manage them successfully.

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Can exercises help?

Yes.

Stretching, strengthening and gait training may all help improve symptoms.

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Why is it worse when I'm tired?

Fatigue often increases muscle tightness and reduces muscle control, making toe curling more noticeable later in the day.

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Key Takeaways

✓ Toe curling is a common problem after stroke.

✓ It is often caused by spasticity, weakness or altered muscle control.

✓ Symptoms can affect comfort, balance and walking.

✓ Stretching, strengthening and footwear changes may help.

✓ Recovery can continue for months and years.

✓ Small improvements in foot function can make a significant difference to daily life.

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Related Articles

Continue learning about foot and walking problems after stroke with these helpful guides:

Foot Drop After Stroke – Learn why lifting the foot becomes difficult and the treatments available.

How Long Does Foot Drop Last After a Stroke? – Understand recovery timelines and factors affecting improvement.

Spasticity After a Stroke – Discover why muscles become tight after stroke and how spasticity can be managed.

Best Shoes for Foot Drop After a Stroke – Learn how footwear can improve comfort and walking safety.

Walking After a Stroke – Practical strategies to improve mobility and confidence.

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About the Author

Alisia Gayle is a stroke survivor who achieved 96% neurological recovery following an ischaemic stroke.

After years of rehabilitation, she now shares practical, evidence-informed resources to help stroke survivors, carers and families better understand recovery and rebuild their lives with confidence.

Alisia is also the author of Brain Damage: My Journey to 96% Recovery, where she shares her personal stroke recovery story and the lessons she learned throughout her rehabilitation.

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek advice from your doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified healthcare professional regarding foot problems, walking difficulties or concerns following a stroke.

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Final Thoughts

Toe curling after a stroke may seem like a small problem...

But every step matters.

Every improvement in comfort...

Every reduction in pain...

Every small gain in movement...

Can make daily life easier.

Recovery isn't only about major milestones.

Sometimes it's the smaller improvements that have the biggest impact on your independence and quality of life.