Four Things You Need To Know About Crossover Toe

There are many types of foot deformities that can make finding shoes difficult, including crossover toe. Crossover toe means that the second toe crosses over the top of the big toe. Here are four things you need to know about crossover toe.

Why does the toe cross over?

Crossover toe occurs as a result of capsulitis, a condition that means that the ligaments that support your second toe have became inflamed. Capsulitis can occur if too much pressure is placed on the ball of your foot, which can happen if you like to wear high heels or other shoes that put pressure on this area of your foot. This pressure allows the ligaments within the joint to become inflamed, and if the inflammation continues, they can become permanently damaged.

When the ligaments become damaged, they can't stabilize your toe as well. This allows your second toe to drift out of place and cross over your big toe.

What are the signs of crossover toe?

Crossover toe is the end result of untreated capsulitis, and since capsulitis is a progressive condition, you may notice symptoms in your toe for a while before it finally crosses over. You may feel pain around the ball of your foot or notice that the base of your big toe is swollen. You may feel pain while you're walking around your home in your bare feet. Your toe will then slowly begin to cross over the adjacent big toe.

How is crossover toe treated?

If you look down at your feet and notice that your second toe is resting on top of your big toe, don't panic: there are many treatments available for this foot deformity. In mild cases, conservative treatments like taping the toe back into the proper position can be helpful. Oral steroids can also be used to control the inflammation in the ligament.

If conservative treatment isn't sufficient, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may involve tightening the ligaments to pull the toe back into its proper position or fusing the toe bones in place, depending on the severity of the crossover. Your podiatrist will explain any required surgical procedures to you beforehand.

How can you avoid crossover toe?

To avoid developing crossover toe, be sure to always wear shoes that fit well and don't put pressure on the balls of your feet. If you want to wear high heels, opt for heels that are two inches or lower since higher heels put more pressure on the balls of your feet.

If you think you have crossover toe, see a podiatrist, like Hartford Podiatry Group, right away for treatment.