Which toe should be the longest

Whether the big toe is longer or shorter than the second toe is influenced by genetics, but it may be determined by more than one gene, or by a combination of genetics and the environment. You should not use toe length to demonstrate basic genetics. It must be noted that the appearance of large frequencies of a trait in a population does not make it dominant.

But, if your big—or first—toe extends further, you possess a natural advantage in skiing, sprinting, and certain other sports.

Having a longer big toe, you can more readily lean your full body weight onto it. According to the laws of United States, patients with chronic cases of this physical condition can apply for disability benefits on account on their incapability to walk and therefore, earn a living for themselves.

One in five people have it. Many people with toe neuromas or degenerative changes to the foot or toes find that toe spacers can provide good relief, even while inside their shoes. The wider your toe splay, the greater your balance will be. Spreading the toes, especially the big and little toes, can be particularly helpful for seniors or those who struggle with balance issues, and it may even help reduce the likelihood of falls.

The wider the spread of your toes, the bigger your base of support. This translates into a better ability to balance your weight transferred during motion. Toe separators can realign your toes to where they belong, and allow the muscles to activate when walking and running.

That not only helps your feet keep their natural form, but also makes your feet stronger. During the physical exam, your doctor will look at your foot to see if the toe joint is fixed or flexible.

A joint that has some movement can sometimes be straightened without surgery. The benefits extend past the toes and to the rest of the foot as well.

One can start by wearing the spacers for shorter amounts of time and progress as comfortable. After acclimating to the spacers, you can start wearing them at night when sleeping or inside your shoes. Evidence of different foot forms is found in ancient sculpture and fossilized footprints.

He thought this caused the second toe to bear excess weight that normally would have been supported by the big toe. That could lead to calluses on the second and third toe. It may cause pain in some people. In very severe cases, toe shortening surgery may be recommended.

Usually, conservative treatments can resolve your pain. Sometimes treatment is as simple as getting a more comfortable pair of shoes. If not, foot doctors have a wide variety of specialized treatment options. As an integral part of your everyday life, your feet experience a lot of wear and tear. You're likely to develop foot problems over time as a result. Learn about the causes of pain in your second toe, as well as when you can treat it at home, and the very rare circumstances for which you will need….

If you have toe numbness, you may experience the absence of feeling, a tingling, or even a burning sensation in your toes. This can make walking…. Find out what's causing your foot pain when you walk and how you can manage it. This involves removal of a small section of bone in the toe joint. First, by removing a small fragment of bone, the toe is shortened. Secondly, the bony resection stiffens the toe allowing it to remain straight and preventing recurrence of corns or lesions on the toe.

In the practice of psychic foot reading, readers interpret a long second toe is a sign of leadership ability or royal ancestry. Wearing the wrong shoes can cause an uneven weight shift that exerts excessive pressure on both toes.

This can lead to various conditions including:. A foot care doctor can prescribe quick, easy interventions to correct the condition. These include:.