Wide Foot Facts

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Category: Overlapping Toes

Overlapping Toes

Overlapping toes can occur in any of the toes and can cause extreme irritation if not corrected. Deformities of the toes are common in the pediatric population. Generally they are congenital in nature with both or one of the parents having the same or similar condition and almost never will a child outgrow overlapping toes.
Underlapping toes are also therefore common in adults. The toes most often involved are the fourth and fifth toes. A special form of underlapping toes is called clinodactyly or congenital curly toes. One or more toes may be involved with toes three, four, and five of both feet being most commonly affected.
With weight bearing the problem increases and a folding or curling of the toes results in the formation of callous on the outside of the end of the toe. Tight fitting shoes can aggravate the condition. Any problems that cause pain or discomfort in the toes should be given prompt attention. Ignoring the symptoms can aggravate the condition, and lead to a breakdown of tissue or even infection.
Forefoot supports such as gel toe straighteners, gel toe caps and toe combs are often recommended to keep overlapping toes apart. These effective devices are designed to reduce friction to help relieve the discomfort. read more

Orthotic Shoe Devices

Orthotic shoe devices are molded pieces of rubber, leather, metal, plastic, or other synthetic material that are inserted into a shoe. A foot pad or heel insert are considered an orthotic device, so is a custom molded, individually designed shoe insert or brace. Their purpose is to balance the foot in a neutral position, cushion the foot from excessive pounding and improving the overall function of the foot or ankle.
Custom-made orthotic devices may control pain if you have a specific problem, such as an unusual-shaped foot, or your foot rolls toward the arch (pronation). Custom-made orthotics are available by prescription. Insurance companies differ in how much of the cost they cover.
Some examples, are a wedge inserted into the inner side of the sole of a shoe can be used to help support a flatfoot, thus reducing the risk of tendinitis. An ankle-foot brace can help relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis in the heel or ankle. A heel flare can be used to increase support and help prevent ankle sprains. Heel cushions can help absorb impact and relieve stress on the heel and ankle when you walk or run.
Although custom orthoses are considerably more expensive than off-the-shelf devices, they last much longer and provide more support or correction. In some cases, however, an over-the-counter device can be just as effective, particularly when combined with a stretching and exercise program. Before investing in an expensive pair of custom-made orthotics, consider trying good-quality nonprescription orthotics. They can usually be found at drugstores, supermarkets, and sporting goods stores. You can test the effectiveness of several different devices without great expense, which may help you decide whether a more durable custom-made device would be helpful. read more

Surgery of the Foot

Based on the condition and the chronic nature of the disease, surgery can provide relief of pain and restore mobility in many cases. There have been various modifications and surgical enhancements regarding surgery of the foot. Your podiatric surgeon will determine which method is best suited for you.
There are certain conditions that are commonly relieved through surgical procedures. Most often are Arthritis, Joint Disease, Bunions, Ingrown toenails, Heel Spurs, Neuromas and many foot deformities. read more

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