What is this toe condition called?

by Connie
(Alberta, Canada)

I have had problems with my toes since birth. I had surgery on my middle toe when I was 5 which helped a little, but now my last 2 toes have had the same problem for many years.

The problem is I don't know the name of my condition. I was told that the problem is that the tendons didn't grow. When my foot is flat on the floor, my toes curl sideways.

The surgery I had involved splitting the toes down the middle and inserting a steel rod, which stuck out of the end of my toe. It was later removed.

My feet have been hurting a lot lately because of the condition. What is it and is there another solution besides surgery?