Your toes are pretty amazing. Check them out! They cooperate together to help your body balance – if you were missing just one toe, you’d have to relearn how to do most activities. Can you imagine trying to dance without your big toe? It would be tough! That’s not to say that people don’t master those skills if they are missing a toe for whatever reason. Occasionally toes must be amputated because of injuries, infections, or diabetic complications. In those cases, a podiatrist can often build a custom orthotic to assist in “replacing” the lost toes.

Your toes are important and it’s important to take care of them. Check out some of the things that could happen if you don’t take proper care:

  • Bunions and Bunionettes – Painful bony protrusions can form on the outside of your feet. If they form on your big toe, they’re called a bunion. If they form on the base of your pinky toe, they are a bunionette. Either way, they hurt! They are often caused by shoes that are too tight, although genetics plays a role in their forming as well.
  • Hammertoe – Poorly fitting shoes can also lead to hammertoes. This deformity occurs on the second, third, or fourth toe. The middle joint of the toe is bent up, resembling a hammer.
  • Corns – Thickened patches of skin caused by rubbing or pressure from a shoe are called corns. Because of the unnatural positioning of the toe, hammertoe can often lead to corns.
  • Claw Toe – A claw toe is a similar deformity to hammertoe, but your toes bend in a different direction and the causes can be different. Claw toe is often caused by nerve issues associated with diabetes or alcoholism.
  • Athlete’s foot – If you’ve ever had that itchy, scaly, red skin between your toes, you know how uncomfortable athlete’s foot can be! Easily prevent this by keeping your feet clean and dry. Always wear shoes in public places like pools, gyms, or locker rooms.
  • Toenail fungus – Nails infected with fungus are discolored, brittle, and easily broken. The fungus can rise up and crack the nail bed. Toenail fungus can be very tough to treat and requires a podiatry visit immediately.
  • Ingrown toenails – Trimming your toenails correctly and wearing properly-fitting shoes are some of the best ways to prevent ingrown toenails. A proper trim is straight across and not too close to the nail bed.

Most of these toe issues can be prevented with a little extra vigilance and care for your toes. If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, or have noticed any changes in the skin or nail quality on your toes, we can help. Dr. Adam Mucinskas stays abreast of the latest technologies and treatments in podiatric medicine and can help get you on the path to healthy toes, feet, and ankles. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell, CT office, request one online or call us today at 860-632-5499.

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162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416