Crooked Toes, Curved Toes & Bent Toes
Crooked toes are a common health problem, and there are several different types of crooked toes possible. The... Read more
Educational Articles
Crooked & Overlapping Toes: Conventional vs. Natural Approaches
In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, discusses the various types of crooked toes he sees in his Portland, OR, practice and what can be done to help straighten them out. Mallet toe, claw toe, and overlapping toe are all types of crooked toes that Dr. Ray mentions in this video. Dr. Ray also explains the underlying cause of most crooked toe problems and how you can avoid developing this common (though not normal) foot health problem. Surgery is the conventional approach to crooked toes, but, as Dr. Ray notes, surgery should only be performed on crooked toes if it's no longer possible to manually straighten the affected toes. You can achieve excellent results over time using Correct Toes and metatarsal pads and men's or women's foot-healthy footwear. Click the above video to learn more about crooked toes.
Disclaimer:
The above content is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or augment professional medical instruction, diagnosis, or treatment. Read full disclaimer here.About the Author
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Related articles:
Hammertoes: Conventional vs. Natural Approaches
In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, discusses the foot and toe condition called... Read more
WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR FOOT HEALTH?
Let the team at Natural Footgear help you! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest offers and helpful info, and sign up for our FREE email courses on various topics and foot health conditions.
Essential Footgear:
$65.00
$10.00
$14.00
$70.00
$30.00
$35.00
I have a crooked toe, and when I wear my Correct Toes, the numbness in the tip goes away instantly. I just bought some Lems to go with them. My question is about fit. My toes don’t touch at the end, but when I wear my Correct Toes with these leather Boulder Boots, they touch on the sides a little. Do I need a bigger size, or should I just wait for the leather to soften?
Hi, Adam,
Thank you for your comment. We’re happy to hear that you’ve found Correct Toes to be helpful!
The Shoe Liner Test is the best way to determine if your boots are offering adequate space for your toes (with Correct Toes on). You can see a demonstration of the Shoe Liner Test in this video:
www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/education/17914692-shoe-liner-test-pronation-explained
In our experience, we’ve found that, for most people, the Boulder Boot offers adequate space for the toes, partly because of the already generous toe box, but also because of the relatively flexible upper that stretches a bit over time. You can also remove the included (optional) insole to help open up more space for your foot within the boot; this is how we recommend wearing the boots anyhow (to help enhance ground feel). If you still feel as though a larger size might be better for your feet, we’re happy to accommodate an exchange, as long as the boots are in their new and unblemished condition and we’re inside the 30-day returns and exchanges window.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further questions, please do let us know!
Cheers,
Andrew Potter
Hi. Am I able to purchase any of your store items in the UK?
Hi, Debbie,
Thank you for your question. Our company is based in the US, and so we don’t have a UK-based option for you at this time. We do, however, ship to the UK on a regular basis, and we would be happy to mail any items from our store directly to you in the UK:
www.naturalfootgear.com/pages/shop
Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to assist!
Kind regards,
Marty Hughes, DC
I’ve been wearing Correct Toes for over five years now, and it has relieved the pain from my bunion and seemed to stop its progression. But over the past several months, the bunion has gotten worse, and that toe is now overlapping the one next to it. I continue to wear Correct Toes and barefoot shoes every day. I’m not aware of anything else that changed that might account for the worsening of the overlap after holding steady for years. Any thoughts on how I can fix this and avoid surgery?
Hi, Lynette. Thank you for your comment. I’m really sorry to hear that your bunion has been worsening despite your efforts. It’s great that Correct Toes and barefoot shoes have provided relief in the past. Sometimes, even with consistent use, changes in the body or other factors like age, activity level, or slight adjustments in walking mechanics can affect progress. You might want to consider consulting a natural-minded foot care provider (whether it be a physical therapist, chiropractor, naturopath, or podiatrist) for a personalized evaluation. They could help identify any subtle changes or provide additional recommendations, like specific exercises or adjustments. One simple exercise you might consider performing on a daily basis is the Big Toe Stretch:
www.naturalfootgear.com/blogs/educational-articles/big-toe-stretch
I hope you’re able to find a solution that works for you and helps you avoid surgery.
All the best,
Marty Hughes, DC
I have a nine-year-old son with special needs. He has bunions and an overlapping toe. He also wears an orthotic (SMO) for overpronation and to prevent him walking on his tippy toes. Do you have any suggestions on a natural way to remedy his foot issues, especially while he is young?
Hello, Leslie,
Thank you for your comment and question. It’s wonderful that you’re being proactive with your son’s foot health! With young children, it’s important to start with a strong foundation. If possible, you might consider encouraging some barefoot time to allow his feet to develop naturally. For his bunions and overlapping toe, Correct Toes might be helpful, as they can guide his toes into proper alignment, but it’s best to consult with a pediatric foot care professional who can monitor his progress and make suggestions based on his specific needs. You’re doing great by seeking natural solutions so early!
All the best,
Marty Hughes, DC