Crossover toe is a condition in which the second toe drifts toward the big toe and eventually crosses over and lies on top of the big toe. Crossover toe is a common condition that can occur at any age, although it is most often seen in adults.
Some people confuse crossover toe with a hammertoe, probably because both conditions involve a toe that does not lie in the normal position. However, crossover toe is entirely different from a hammertoe-and much more complex.
Although the crossing over of the toe usually occurs over a period of time, it can appear more quickly if caused by injury or overuse.
Symptoms may include:
• Pain - particularly on the ball of the foot. It can feel like there's a marble in the shoe or a sock is bunched up.
• Swelling in the area of pain, including the base of the toe
• Difficulty wearing shoes
Crossover toe is a progressive disorder. In the very early stages is the best time to treat crossover toe. Without treatment, the condition usually worsens to dislocation of the joint, so it is very beneficial to have a foot and ankle surgeon evaluate the foot soon after pain first occurs.
It is generally believed that crossover toe is a result of abnormal foot mechanics, where the ball of the foot beneath the second toe joint takes an excessive amount of weight-bearing pressure. This pressure eventually leads to weakening of the supportive ligaments and a failure of the joint to stabilize the toe, resulting in the toe crossing over.
Certain conditions or characteristics can make a person prone to experiencing excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. These most commonly include a severe bunion deformity, a second toe longer than the big toe, an arch that is structurally unstable, and a tight calf muscle.
If you believe you may be suffering from crossover toe, please call today to consult with a podiatrist at Community Foot Care.
Springfield 937-322-7607 Dayton: 937-426-9500
Some people confuse crossover toe with a hammertoe, probably because both conditions involve a toe that does not lie in the normal position. However, crossover toe is entirely different from a hammertoe-and much more complex.
Although the crossing over of the toe usually occurs over a period of time, it can appear more quickly if caused by injury or overuse.
Symptoms may include:
• Pain - particularly on the ball of the foot. It can feel like there's a marble in the shoe or a sock is bunched up.
• Swelling in the area of pain, including the base of the toe
• Difficulty wearing shoes
Crossover toe is a progressive disorder. In the very early stages is the best time to treat crossover toe. Without treatment, the condition usually worsens to dislocation of the joint, so it is very beneficial to have a foot and ankle surgeon evaluate the foot soon after pain first occurs.
It is generally believed that crossover toe is a result of abnormal foot mechanics, where the ball of the foot beneath the second toe joint takes an excessive amount of weight-bearing pressure. This pressure eventually leads to weakening of the supportive ligaments and a failure of the joint to stabilize the toe, resulting in the toe crossing over.
Certain conditions or characteristics can make a person prone to experiencing excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. These most commonly include a severe bunion deformity, a second toe longer than the big toe, an arch that is structurally unstable, and a tight calf muscle.
If you believe you may be suffering from crossover toe, please call today to consult with a podiatrist at Community Foot Care.
Springfield 937-322-7607 Dayton: 937-426-9500
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