Educational Articles: Toes

Thick, hard skin can occur on any part of the foot. However, corns and calluses are particularly common on the toes, and they are caused by prolonged pressure or friction on the skin. Though not life-threatening, corns and calluses are often unsightly and may cause pain or disability when the skin buildup gets too thick or causes pressure on sensitive parts of the foot. A corn is... Read more

This short video discusses corns, a common toe problem that's characterized by localized areas of skin thickening. In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, explains that there are two types of corns: soft corns (which occur between the toes) and hard corns (which occur on the outside aspects of the toes). Both types of... Read more

Users of Correct Toes toe spacers experience many health benefits, including improved toe alignment and foot structure, increased intrinsic foot muscle strength, enhanced foot and toe circulation, and the successful treatment and prevention of a variety of chronic foot problems. One benefit of this device that’s sometimes overlooked is its ability to improve balance—a particularly important benefit for athletes and the elderly. This article discusses in detail... Read more

One of the lesser known and discussed benefits of Correct Toes toe spacers is their ability to boost foot and toe circulation. Many Correct Toes users have reported this great benefit, but until now we haven’t actually been able to see this effect or quantify it. Thanks to a Correct Toes user (Sergio, from Spain) and the wonders of infrared (IR)... Read more

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... Read more

Crooked toes are a common health problem, and there are several different types of crooked toes possible. The specific type of crooked toe a person may develop depends on the degree and direction of deviation in the affected toe’s joints. In some cases, the abnormal toe alignment is not permanent, and the toe may be realigned using natural... Read more

Diabetes is a chronic, or lifelong, condition in which the body is unable to maintain proper blood sugar levels. Foot problems are among the most common health concerns diabetics face. Several types of diabetes exist, yet they all may cause similar changes in the feet. Prolonged elevated blood sugar levels may lead to a serious health complication known as neuropathy—nerve damage or dysfunction. The nerves in the... Read more

Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body. They accept and disperse tremendous forces during standing, walking, and running (e.g., walking 1 mile places 60 tons of stress on each foot), and they possess extraordinary strength, integrity, and endurance. Although your feet are resilient and capable of bearing considerable forces, too much stress can cause pain or discomfort—especially if your foot is held... Read more

Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight are symptoms that could indicate a serious foot problem. Damage to your foot's muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones, along with foot and toe deformities, may be caused by trauma, overuse, or improper footwear. Though certain medical conditions can contribute to foot pain, shoes that prevent the foot from functioning the way nature intended are a frequent cause... Read more

Hallux is the medical term for the big toe. The big toe is one of the most important parts of the body, as it provides propulsive force during gait and helps stabilize the entire foot and body. The big toe should possess between 50 and 90 degrees of extension—also known as dorsiflexion—if it is healthy and injury free, and a person should be able to move his... Read more