There are foot conditions which are not only painful but look really
awkward too. You can’t wear fashionable footwear fearing the deformity
may show off. Overlapping toes is one such disorder which can cause
pain, skin irritation and disrupt normal functioning of the foot. Often
other problems arise like blister and calluses on the top of toes.
Definition of overlapping toes:-
This is one affliction that mainly affects joints in the toes. Though
any of your toes may face this disorder but the 2nd and 5th toes are
more likely to get affected. Sometimes overlapping toes may happen as a
result of other foot conditions.
What causes overlapping toes:-
Your grandmother or great grandmother may have suffered from this
foot condition. Then there remain the risk of next generation getting
affected. Yes, this is sad indeed! Then, the problem sometimes has its
root in high or low arches. Many children having high arches and flat
feet end up distributing their body weight unevenly on their feet. These
types of foot affect the biomechanics thus causing toes to shift and
overlap each other. Women suffering from Bunions are most likely to get
affected with overlapping toes. It happens more with older women.
Ill-fitting shoes are to be blamed too. If you have this habit of
wearing shoes with too narrow toe boxes, then this result in toes
getting squeezed together and overlap on one another. Very pointed
shoes, with little room to properly accommodate all the five toes
comfortably, can certainly contribute to development of overlaps. After
some time, the foot condition becomes permanent. So, even while going
barefoot you will feel frozenness of toes which is not at all natural.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common problem from which many are
suffering these days. Because of Arthritis, joints may become twisted
thus resulting in malfunctioning of toes.
Complications related to overlapping toes:-
For fashion conscious women such toe is definitely a stumbling block
to wearing stylish footwear. While the problem may appear insignificant
at the beginning but if left unattended for long it may result in some
other afflictions. You may observe thickening of skin and tissues in the
toe region. Many having such toes suffer from extreme pain caused by
the abnormality that happens with bone structures of adjacent toes. If
the overlapping turns severe, then it may result in athlete’s foot
and/or cuts on the underside of toes, and sometimes inflammation too.
Such situations can be real challenge for elders and those who can’t
take proper care of their feet. Because of toe overlapping soft calluses
start appearing between toes which if untreated become hard and turn
into corns on top, where the shoe gets rubbed. Wearing shoes then become
quite a painful affair.
Treatment course
Mostly podiatrists suggest non-surgical course of treatments. The
first step is to take care of the deformity which in turn means opting
for shoes with wide and deep toe boxes. This helps reduce pressure and
friction on the toe portion. For children the treatment should be
started at an early stage. This ensures faster and accurate recovery
while the child is still at a stage of development.
Simple and specially designed orthotics can offer great relief from
pain, irritation and also help restore normal position of overlapping
toes. You need to consult a podiatrist physician to know which kind of
orthotics best suits you. Besides, a detailed checkup is also advisable
from time to time so as to prevent any severe foot condition.
Proper functioning of your feet is the key to sound health. So, don’t
ignore foot problems and don’t take any measure based on presumptions
only. Get in touch with an expert to know what is ailing your feet.
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