How long are toes supposed to be

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You may not think of your toes as being important, but they are a large factor in the functioning of a healthy foot. Your toes are complex structures that absorb ground pressure and help you balance as you walk and run. Many of the problems that affect toes are caused by abnormal foot anatomy. Over time, these abnormalities may lead to permanent changes in a toe's appearance, such as a hammertoe or a bunion.

This article will look at the signs, symptoms, and causes of four common toe conditions. A bunion is a large bump on the side of the foot, just below the big toe joint. It's the result of the big toe shifting out of position over time, nudging ever closer to the second toe.

This is caused by a gradual separation between the first and second metatarsal bones, or the long bones of the foot. These changes in bone positioning are most often due to abnormal foot function. For example, people with flat feet are more at risk of bunions. This can cause a widening of the foot and a large and often red bump on the side of the big toe joint. Wearing shoes that are too small or too tight may contribute to developing bunions and can make them worse. Problems associated with a bunion include:.

A tailor's bunion or bunionette is a bunion on the pinkie toe side of the foot. Similar to a bunion on the big toe side, this type of bunion also has a characteristic bump, although it is smaller. Having an abnormally shaped fifth metatarsal bone or a problem with foot functioning that puts excess pressure on the outside of the foot can lead to a tailor's bunion.

A tailor's bunion affects the joint area of the fifth metatarsal bone, where it meets the pinkie toe. Your doctor will first try placing a flexible pad under your big toe and first metatarsal. The purpose of this is to increase the weight bearing on the big toe and where it connects to the first metatarsal.

If pain persists, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are two common types of surgical procedures:. Shop online for insoles and padding designed for shoes. In fact, the two conditions are named after two different Mortons! It most often occurs between the third and fourth toes, but can also come between the second and third toes. The pain comes from thickening of the tissue around a nerve.

Differences in lengths and foot shapes have been observed over a long time. Evidence of different foot forms is found in ancient sculpture and fossilized footprints. He thought this caused the second toe to bear excess weight that normally would have been supported by the big toe.

That could lead to calluses on the second and third toe. It may cause pain in some people. In very severe cases, toe shortening surgery may be recommended. Usually, conservative treatments can resolve your pain. Sometimes treatment is as simple as getting a more comfortable pair of shoes. If not, foot doctors have a wide variety of specialized treatment options. As an integral part of your everyday life, your feet experience a lot of wear and tear.

What causes hammer, claw, and mallet toes? What are the symptoms? Besides looking odd, hammer, claw, and mallet toes may: Hurt. Make it hard to find shoes that fit. Rub against your footwear. You may get calluses or corns where a bent toe presses against another toe or your shoe or where the toe's tip touches the ground. In more severe cases, these toe problems may affect your balance and make it hard to walk. How are hammer, claw, and mallet toes diagnosed? Your doctor will want to know: When the problems started, what activities or shoes make them worse, and if other parts of the foot are painful.

What kind of shoes you wear and how much time you spend standing or walking every day. Any previous foot problems you have had. Any medical conditions you have that could be related, such as arthritis, diabetes, or poor circulation. If you are thinking about having surgery to correct your problem, you may need: An X-ray to help the doctor decide what type of surgery would be most helpful. Blood flow testing, which may include Doppler ultrasound , if your foot seems to have poor blood flow.

Nerve testing if your doctor thinks you have nerve problems in your foot. If this is the case, you may need to see a neurologist , a doctor who specializes in brain, spine, and nerve problems. How are they treated? Change your footwear. Choose shoes with roomy toe boxes, low heels, and good arch supports.

Sandals or athletic shoes that don't rub on your toe may be a good option. You could also try custom-made shoes or shoes made for people who have foot problems. Use products that cushion the toe or hold the foot in a more comfortable position, such as moleskin , toe tubes, arch supports, or other shoe inserts orthotics.

These are better for treating a flexible toe, but they can also provide some relief for a fixed toe. Care for any calluses or corns on your feet. Moleskin and other over-the-counter treatments may help relieve pain. Never cut corns or calluses, because this can lead to infection. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Check with your doctor before taking these medicines. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If your toe joint is flexible, you can also try: Taping a hammer toe.

Wrap tape under the big toe or the toe next to the hammer toe , then over the hammer toe, and then under the next toe.

This gently forces the hammer toe into a normal position. But it doesn't straighten the toe permanently. Toe caps, slings, or splints. These hold toes in a normal position, much like taping does. Exercises that help keep the toe joints flexible and strong, such as the ones listed below. Your doctor or physical therapist may be able to suggest more exercises. Gently pull on your toes to stretch the bent joints.

For example, if a joint bends up, gently stretch it down. Hold for several seconds. You should feel a long, slow, gentle pull. Work on one joint at a time.