If you have overlapping toes, finding shoes that fit comfortably can be a real challenge. You may find it uncomfortable or painful to spend much time on your feet, which can really limit your daily activities and your ability to spend your recreational time as you wish. Read on to learn more about what causes overlapping toes and how you can find the best shoes for overlapping toes.
What Are Overlapping Toes?
Overlapping toes are a condition in which one of the toes lies over the top of another toe. This condition most commonly affects the second and fifth toes, but can affect any toe. This is more than simply an unpleasant aesthetic; overlapping toes can make it uncomfortable to walk for any extended period of time or wear shoes.
What Causes Overlapping Toes?
There are several circumstances that can lead to overlapping toes. In many cases, overlapping toes are simply a hereditary condition that is passed down through a family. The shape of the foot can also lead to overlapping toes. If a person has either high or low arches, the mechanics of the foot can be affected and cause the toes to overlap. Having bunions can also lead to overlapping toes. A bunion can bend the big toe toward a smaller toe, eventually causing them to overlap.
Other medical conditions can lead to overlapping toes, as well, as they are typically related to a muscle or joint problem. People who have diabetic neuropathy or arthritic conditions are more likely to develop overlapping toes.
Strain or trauma to the feet can also lead to overlapping toes. Frequently wearing high heels, which have a cramped, narrow toe box, can pinch the toes together, eventually causing them to overlap. Injuries to the feet can contribute to the development of overlapping toes, as well. If the toe is stubbed or broken, the joint can be dislocated, causing the toes to overlap.
Symptoms of Overlapping Toes
If you have overlapping toes, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty walking;
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably;
- Corns on the toes due to shoe friction;
- Bunions on the overlapping toes;
- Ulceration of the toes.
What is Best Shoes for Overlapping Toes?
Overlapping toes is a condition that will not go away on its own. However, it can be treated so that you are more comfortable. If you have overlapping toes, the most important thing that you can do is to wear shoes that fit properly and accommodate the shape of your toes. This will reduce any excess strain on the toes and help you to prevent the development of corns or bunions.
The best shoes for overlapping toes are shoes that have a wide, roomy, deep toe box. Shoes made with stretch materials in the toe box area will also help. This will give the overlapping toes plenty of space and reduce friction. You can also use gel caps or pads on the toes to protect them from rubbing against the shoes.
In addition to comfortable shoes, you can also use toe straighteners to try to straighten the toes out into a more natural shape. Toe straighteners, stretchers, and separators can be purchased to realign the toes into a more comfortable position, although the results are not likely to be permanent when the straighteners are not in use.
If you have overlapping toes, you should visit Foot Solutions in your area. We have a wide selection of footwear and arch supports that can accommodate your condition comfortably. We can even modify our footwear instore, to provide you with the best fit. Stop by Foot Solutions UK today to learn more about the options in footwear for overlapping toes.
