» Overlapping Toes - Are Your Toes Confused?
No, they're not confused. They've just lost their focus. The condition is referred to as overlapping toes but 'crooked toes' would be a more descriptive moniker. What they are actually called is hammertoes and they are primarily caused by and unwieldy gait which in turn causes a muscle imbalance in your foot. Read on for more information or take a look at the products for overlapping toes on the right side of the page.
» Do You Have Crooked Toes?
Hammertoes are diagnosed if you have misshapen or crooked digits protruding from the ends of your feet. Sometimes they are also called clawed or mallet toes and they can affect people of all ages and either gender. One of the giveaways is a very long second toe or a bunion on the big toe that forces the 2nd toe to overlap or 'cramp' the adjacent toe. If this sounds like you then read on.
» What Causes Crooked Overlapping Toes?
Hammertoes happen because the foot is spread out and flattened so that an abnormal amount of stress is applied to the foot. If you already know that you have flat feet then you are at a greater risk for crooked or overlapping toes. The first sign of hammertoes is when calluses are formed. The calluses create extra friction which in turn can lead to corns. The tendons on the bottom of the foot then do their best to equalize the pressure that is asserted on each foot. Then the toe muscles get stuck with the increased pressure which causes the toes to have a tendency to want to pull back. This forces the knuckles on the toes to stick out further than normal. The end result is what is referred to as hammertoes. Walking and even just standing can become more and more difficult as the condition worsens. When the toes get to a certain stage of being crooked, it can be difficult to get them straightened back out again.
» Help with Hammertoes
Make sure that your shoes fit comfortably and be especially diligent in selecting footwear that incorporates a wide toe box. If you have extra room in your shoes then this can help to relieve the pressure. It also allows enough room so that you can add corn pads and foot cushions which can give you some form of temporary relief. Shoe inserts and orthotics, maybe even a pair of custom orthotics, can go a long way in providing the support that your feet need. Toe straighteners work in conjunction with pads and inserts to help ease the strain that is put on the muscles in your feet.