Toes grip, clamping the feet to the walking surface, as you complete a step and shift the weight to the other foot. Toes help you to maintain balance and also aid propulsion.

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Each toe is made up of several small bones, called phalanges. The big toe has two bones and two joints. The other four toes all have three bones and two joints. There are six or more sets of muscles that control each toe.

Toe deformities often result from a muscle imbalance in the foot as a result of traumatic injury, flat feet or disease of the toe joints.

Conditions which affect the toes themselves (see the section 'skin' for ingrown toenails, calluses, black toenails and corns) include bunions and hammertoe.

Toe problems

Bunions
Bunions are painful swellings that tend to develop round the base of the big toe. They develop as a result of abnormal bone formation and misalignment of the big toe. This toe appears to be moving towards the outside of the foot and this process can cause a great deal of discomfort, swelling, redness, inflammation and pain.

Bunions can result from wearing ill-fitting shoes over an extended period of time. The wearing of high heels can also result in the formation of bunions. This condition tends to get worse as time goes by and can cause walking difficulties, corns and lesions. It is advisable to get treatment for a bunion from a podiatrist. Surgery may be necessary to correct this condition.

Read more about bunions.

Hammer toe
A hammer toe is one that is contracted at the middle joint in the toe. This happens when a muscle imbalance causes the tendons and the ligaments to become unnaturally tight. This makes the joint curl downwards.

At the top part of the toe, which tends to stick upwards, there is often discomfort and pain, as this part of the toe often rubs against the shoe.

There are two types of hammer toes – flexible and rigid. The joint in a flexible hammer toe can move and can be straightened by hand. A rigid hammer toe cannot move and this condition can be extremely painful. People with hammer toes often have problems with corns and calluses.

Changing the type of shoes you wear, is often essential for those who suffer from hammer toes. Hammer toe crests and hammer toe splints will help holding the forefoot and provide relief. Gel shields can also be worn between the shoe and the toe. If the problem persists, it is essential to see a doctor.

Read more about hammer toes.

South African Podiatry Association (SAPA)
 

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