For such a small part of our body, our toes do a lot of hard work down there. In order to keep our bodies well-balanced, the toes take on quite a bit of pressure. Sometimes, when toes are compressed into too-tight shoes or if the pressure is shifted from high-heeled shoes, it can be detrimental.

That added pressure can cause toe deformities. Two of the most common deformities are underlapping and overlapping toes. Toes crammed and forced into unnatural positions can end up with painful conditions like calluses, corns, and blisters.

Overlapping toes

The most typical overlapping toe condition is when the fifth toe has shifted on top of the adjacent toe. Another common overlap is the second toe overlapping the big toe, but any toe may overlap another. Overlapping toes can be caused by genetics, by a growing bunion shifting the foot’s shape, or by shoes that constrict the toes’ movement.

For infants, tapping and stretching their feet can help with overlapping toes, but they can come back with age. Toe straighteners, separators, or caps can help spread the toes apart. If you’re shoe shopping, make sure you purchase flexible shoes that have plenty of room in the toe box – this will help ease inflammation and pain. If conservative solutions do not work, your doctor can discuss surgical options.

Underlapping toes

Typically, underlapping toes involve the fourth and fifth toe. This fairly common condition is often caused by an imbalance in the toe muscles that pulls the ligaments, causing the toe to shift underneath the next one. Tight shoes can exacerbate the problem, but the exact cause of underlapping toes is undetermined.

Treatment involves toe caps or straighteners which provide relief and help to start realignment. If the condition is painful enough that you are having difficulty walking, surgical options might be the next recourse. Discuss this with your podiatrist.

If you are dealing with underlapping or overlapping toes, give Feet First Foot Care Specialists a call! Dr. Adam Mucinskas can help answer any questions you might have about your toes or about foot health. We feature innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at (860) 632-5499.