3 issues that can affect those with long toes

Long Toes

Foot pain is a common problem that affects people of all kinds. A study by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that in a group of 1,000 adults, 77% of them reported experiencing foot pain at one time or another. Foot pain can hold us back from doing many of the things we enjoy. It can also be a red flag for a much more serious issue.

Since our feet can come in many shapes and sizes, it’s not surprising that people can experience foot pain for many different reasons. If you were born with long toes, then you are acutely aware of the challenges that come with having unusually shaped feet. Unfortunately, having a hard time finding shoes that fit might not be the only thing that people with long toes have to worry about.

 

What foot issues affect people with long toes?

There are several orthopedic issues that can affect those with longer toes. Here are three foot issues to watch out for if you have long toes:

  1. Over-pronation — Over-pronation happens when the ankle rolls too far inward when we take a step, and our foot twists more than it should. People with longer second toes are more prone to over-pronation. This can lead to strain on the toes as well as the posterior tibialis tendon.
  2. Calluses — People with longer toes are more prone to developing uncomfortable calluses on their feet. This is because long toes experience more pressure than normal toes when we take a step. Calluses can sometimes become infected if they become dry and cracked, leading to severe foot pain.
  3. Plantar fasciitis — This condition can occur due to ill-fitting footwear or excessive over-pronation while walking or running. Plantar fasciitis causes sudden pain in the heel of the foot that tends to feel worse after long periods of inactivity, such as when getting up in the morning.

 

Can physical therapy help me with foot pain caused by long toes?

Physical therapy is an effective method for treating many common causes of foot pain. A licensed physical therapist can help you to diagnose the causes of your foot pain and can work with you to help ease your symptoms, as well as improve your mobility and help prevent future injury. Runners and other athletes, workers who spend long hours on their feet, and people recovering from an injury can all benefit from physical therapy for foot pain.

Our team at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy is ready and willing to put your foot pain to rest. If you are suffering from pain in your feet that prevents you from doing the things that you enjoy, contact our team today for more information or to schedule a free screening at one of our convenient clinics.