The pressure on your toes, especially inside tight fitting shoes, is enormous and with every step you take the forces on your feet can contribute to the formation of toe deformities including underlapping and overlapping toes. These problems can become very painful as the toes are forced into an unnatural position and rubbing on the inside of your footwear can cause corns, calluses and blistering.
The condition of underlapping toes - is the most common type, affecting both adults and kids. It generally involves the fourth and fifth toes and is thought to be caused by a tendon and muscle imbalance that pulls one toe over the top of the other. While poorly fitting shoes can make the problem worse, the actual cause remains a mystery. Toe caps and other types of straightening devices may provide some improvement, but if the pain gets worse or causes you to alter the way you walk, it may be necessary to surgically release the tendon, or remove a small piece of the bone.
Overlapping toes - this condition generally involves the second toe overlapping the big toe, but any of your toes can move and overlap an adjacent toe. A bunion can cause the toes to overlap, and tightly fitting shoes without enough room in the toe box can exacerbate the problem. Changing to properly fitted shoes and using orthotic inserts such as toe straighteners and caps can help. Surgery may be necessary to ease the pressure on the tendons and tissues.
If you have problems with under or overlapping toes, Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX, is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions, to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.
