Overlapping Toes
Definition
Many disorders can affect the joints in the toes, causing pain and preventing the foot from functioning as it should. People of all ages can experience forefoot problems. Overlapping toes can occur in any of the toes and can cause extreme irritation if not corrected.
Overlapping toes characterizes a condition where one toe lies on top of an adjacent toe, causing discomfort and pain. Many disorders like overlapping toes can affect the joints in the toes, causing pain and preventing the foot from functioning as it should. People of all ages can experience forefoot problems and should seek treatment before the condition progresses.
Causes
Many disorders can affect the joints in the toes, causing pain and preventing the foot from functioning as it should. People of all ages can experience forefoot problems. Overlapping toes can occur in any of the toes and can cause extreme irritation if not corrected.
Wearing footwear with a constricting toe box can lead to overlapping toes. Another common cause is bunions, usually found in adult women. Overlapping of the fifth toe may occur among children and can be easily corrected. Pain and inflammation are common symptoms of overlapping toes. If this condition is left untreated, it can interfere with the normal function of the foot.
Treatment and Prevention
Any problems that cause pain or discomfort in the toes should be given prompt attention. Ignoring the symptoms can aggravate the condition, and lead to a breakdown of tissue or even infection. Conservative treatment (non-surgical treatment) of overlapping toes begins with accommodating the disorder. Shoes with a high, broad toe box (toe area) are recommended for people suffering fromoverlapping toes. Forefoot supports such as gel toe straighteners, gel toe caps and toe combs are often recommended to keep overlapping toes apart. These effective devices are designed to reduce friction to help relieve the discomfort.
Any joint problems of the forefoot or other areas of the body should be corrected as soon as possible. Untreated, the problem can aggravate the area and lead to infection or the deterioration of the joint and surrounding tissues.
Conservative treatments include expanding the toe box at the forefoot to allow the toes to move as freely as possible. Footwear with a high and wide toe box are suggested to allow for as much free motion as possible.
There are other non surgical treatments that aim to straighten the toes. Tow combs, toe straighteners, and gel toe caps are inserted into the shoes to attempt to correct this problem. These devices are designed to separate the toes so that they don’t overlap. Keeping the toes straight will relieve discomfort by allowing for a more free range of motion and by reducing friction.
If all conservative therapies have been attempted without results, consult your physician.
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