Causes and Symptoms of Overlapping Toe

• When there is imbalance in the strength of small and large muscles of the foot, one toe overlaps another developing instant pain and pressure.
• Footwear with confined toe box may lead to pressure over all toes. By this, toes tend to squeeze and collide over each other developing overlapping of toes.
• Due to the effect of enlarged bunion joint, big toe slants over second toe leading to overlapping toes.
• Family inheritance and hereditary factors with a faulty mechanical structure of foot causes deformity of toe joints leading to overlapping toes, hammer toes.
• Ill-fitting shoes with tight socks that do not have breathing capacity apply pressure on the toes causing toe problems like overlapping toes, hammer toes, crooked toes.

Symptoms

• Severe pain and swelling/inflammation over the toes.
• Pressure and irritation while wearing footwear.
• Friction between the toes restricting natural foot movements.

Treatment

Effective remedy for overlapping toes is good footwear that accomodate the toes without creating pressure. Shoes with wide toe box are vital to lessen the irritation and pain caused by overlapping toes. Foot care products that aid extra support to the forefoot are essential. Toe straighteners and gel toe caps are unique to reduce the irritation caused by the overlapping toes. These toe care products also removes your discomfort by separating the toes gently.

If the overlapping toe is not corrected at an earlier stage, when the toes are flexible, the only treatment is simple surgery which involves slight amputation of toe joints