A crossover second toe deformity is a problem that occurs when the second toe subluxes dorsally and medially over the great toe. This causes problems with wearing regular shoes, because it rubs on shoes and causes pain.
Pain developing over the ball of the foot (where the plantar metatarsal heads are) can cause a lot of problems with walking and activity. Walking up an incline puts added stress on this part of the foot, and we are seeing an increase of this problem as people are getting outside and hiking more. When this happens, we typically end up walking differently to try to keep pressure off of the painful spots, and then we end up with compensatory pain.
One of the problems with diagnosing this is that there are many different terms for this type of pain. Metatarsalgia, pre-dislocation syndrome, capsulitis and plantar plate tearing all can be used to describe pain that develops generally right behind the second toe. We think some people are set up for this genetically if they have a long second metatarsal that puts too much strain and pressure on that part of the foot.
We will sometimes see acute hammertoes develop if the plantar plate ligament tears more acutely, because the ligament is no longer stabilizing the toe and holding it straight. We also see many patients who think they have a neuroma, when they are really dealing with a problem from the second metatarsophalangeal joint. Neuromas will typically give pain that burns and tingles and goes into the 3rd and 4th toes, but less commonly affects the 2nd toe.
Treatment for this condition includes trying arch supports or custom orthotics, using metatarsal pads or bars, taping or splinting the toes in a plantarflexed position, wearing stiff soled shoes, cortisone or steroid injections, immobilzation in a CAM walker boot, and surgical repair.
If you have any foot and ankle pain, it is not normal and should be evaluated by one of our Colorado Springs expert podiatrists as soon as possible. Prevention can be really helpful in avoiding surgery for many conditions if conservative treatment is initiated before more long term damage has occurred. Our team and Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado strives to treat you like one of our own family members and we are here to help. Call us at 719-488-4664 today!
You Might Also Enjoy...
A crossover second toe deformity is a problem that occurs when the second toe subluxes dorsally and medially over the great toe. This causes problems with wearing regular shoes, because it rubs on shoes and causes pain.
Dr. Dominick at the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado was recently featured by Paragon 28 for his surgery using a new plate to perform a Tibial TaloCalcaneal arthrodesis. Read more here.
Hammertoes are a very common problem we see as podiatrists. If they are not treated, they can lead to pain and skin irritation. More problems can occur with hammertoes, so we recommend treating these as soon as you notice the problem developing.
Tailor's bunions are bumps that form on the outside of the foot around the base of the fifth toe. They are caused by a prominent bone laterally over the fifth metatarsal head.
It is important not to delay treatment of infections, because they can worsen and spread. If you are suffering from any foot and ankle problems, call your expert Colorado Springs foot and ankle surgeons and podiatrists today at 719-488-4664.
Heel pain is one of the most common problems we see patients come in for in our office. This specific article focuses on plantar fasciitis, which is the type of heel pain where you get pain on the bottom of the heel.