Believe it or not, you can get along without your little toe. I know a university professor who is missing a little toe and still goes on ski trips. The little (vernacularly known as “pinky”) toe is an evolutionary throwback to the days when our ancestors needed them for climbing trees.
Our ability to balance while walking is centered on the heel and metatarsals. The pinky toe is a vestigial structure that has little use. But it still hurts when something rubs on it!
Where Should Your Toes Be In Shoes?
There should be around half an inch between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe. Typically, this is around the size of the tip of your pointer finger (if you have small hands) or a pinky finger (if you have large hands).
With most people this is the big toe but, in a few people, this is the second toe, known as Morton’s toe. Some say having an extra-long Morton’s toe is a sign of assertiveness, but realistically, it probably just means you have some Greek or Celtic blood in your lineage.
Should Your Toes Touch The End Of The Shoe?
There should not be any contact made with your toes and the end of the toe box. As a matter of fact, a good deal of well-made walking shoes will have a good amount of space between the end of the toebox and the tip of your toes. When shopping for a new pair of shoes you should always have the ability to comfortably curl up your toes inside the toebox without very much restriction.
How To Stretch Shoes In The Toe Area?
The old ice stretcher trick does the job pretty well. You just fill a zip baggie with water, make sure it’s closed tightly, put it in your shoe, and put the pair of shoes in the freezer. As the water freezes it will expand, pushing your shoes out a little.
N.B. You can find more information and details about shoe stretchers here.
Are Toes Supposed To Touch Each Other?
In societies where being barefoot is the norm, the toes spread out naturally due to bodyweight distribution. A lifetime of wearing socks and shoes trains toes into being closer together than they naturally should be. Some people use toe spreaders to get their feet back into a more natural alignment.
Why Are My Toes Rubbing Together?
If your toes are constantly rubbing together, corns or calluses could be the problem. This can come from wearing shoes that are too tight or just ill-fitting. Excessive amounts of walking or running can also result in corns and calluses. Especially if you like to wear your sneakers with extra tight laces. You should double check your pair of shoes to make sure you have properly sized shoes.
What Happens When Your Toes Rub Together?
This can cause irritation which leads to a friction blister between your toes. This is also known as a pinch blister. It looks a bit like a bubble and maybe either clear or blood-filled. You can use a blister plaster to keep it from getting more irritated.
Why Do You Always Get Blisters On Your Pinky Toe?
Of course, friction is the most common cause of blistering. It tears the upper layers of the epidermis and fills up the afflicted area with fluid. Constantly being on your feet can do it. Poor-fitting socks and shoes can make it worse. One common remedy is to wear thicker socks.
How Do You Stop Your Pinky Toe From Hurting?
There are six common reasons why your pinky toe may be in pain:
- If it’s a throbbing pain accompanied by a popping sound at the time of injury and it seems out of alignment, the toe may be broken. See a doctor immediately and get an x-ray.
- If there’s just swelling and bruising it could be a stress fracture. Use the RICE method until you can see a doctor.
- If it’s crooked and numb, the toe may be dislocated. See a doctor; do not try to reposition it yourself.
- If it’s a bit painful and bruised but can still bear your weight it is likely a sprain. A minor sprain can be fixed with RICE and taping. Worse sprains need medical treatment.
- A bump on the little toe that starts small but gets bigger over time is called a tailor’s bunion. These usually go away on their own if you stop irritating them with tight shoes or at least use some padding.
- A tough, yellowed patch of skin on the toe is called a corn. You can file it off after a bath.
What Does A Friction Blister Look Like?
They look like little bubbles on the skin. They are usually round-shaped. They may be filled with pus, blood, or a clear and watery part of your blood known as serum. It could be one or it could be a cluster.
How To Wear Shoes With Blisters?
You might not want to put on shoes if you have blisters. If you can’t help it, clean your blisters with antibacterial soap and swab them with a little hydrogen peroxide before covering them with a blister bandage. Usually, you are discouraged from wearing flip-flops but this is one time you might do it until the blister heals.
What Can I Use To Cover A Blister?
You may cover it loosely with a sterile bandage or a moleskin donut for cushioning. If you drain the blister or it breaks on its own you need to apply antibiotic ointment and cover it with blister plaster, sterile gauze, or a bandage.
Does Taping Your Toes Help?
Somewhat. It does help to take the pressure off the balls of your feet as there is a nerve that splits between the two toes. The tape lessens the pressure put on that nerve when you wear shoes, making it a good deal less painful.
What Tape Can Prevent Blisters?
Studies have shown that inexpensive paper tape, the sort you can find at most drugstores when applied to blister-prone areas before exercise succeeds in reducing the phenomenon of foot blisters in said areas.
The tape, often known as surgical tape, is frequently utilized for wound treatment. It is only somewhat adhesive. However, this becomes an advantage as it does not tear the blisters should they occur.
How Do You Tape A Blister On Your Little Toe?
First, start with clean, dry feet. Place just one longitudinal strip of tape up and over the length of the toe. Next, you affix a second strip about the toe on the level that gets blisters. This applies (no pun intended) to any toe.
This will reduce the risk of getting blisters. If you have an unbroken blister you can treat it with a sterile island dressing. If it breaks anyway at least you won’t get infected.
What Is A Blister Bandage?
These are bandages that aid in keeping germs out and your body while keeping their natural healing abilities in. These are waterproof bandages that offer advanced wound care and cushioning to aid in protecting blisters. The cushioning delivers protection plus relief from painful blisters and wounds. They are perfect for use on toes.
How Long Do You Leave A Blister Bandage On?
These bandages are very sticky and waterproof. Just leave them on until they fall off on their own in about three to five days. You can wear them in the shower.
Do Blister Pads Work?
The hydrocolloid dressings work best. They protect the blister and keep it clean and dry. The gel reduces pain and encourages skin repair.
Do Toe Spreaders Work?
If you have a problem with bunions, hammertoes, or plantar fasciitis a toe spreader may be the way to fix the problem. It will take some time but they can realign the toes.
How Long Should You Wear Toe Spreaders?
It is recommended that you wear toe spreaders for no more than one hour to start with. In time, you’ll be able to work your way up to more than four hours of continuous use.
How To Prevent Blisters On Your Toes When Walking and Running?
First of all, stop running in cotton socks. It likes to tout itself as “the fabric of our lives” but the truth is they absorb sweat, making a breeding ground for blisters. Keep the skin dry not only with moisture-wicking socks but a little powder.
Your shoes should fit right and already be broken in. If you have calluses, leave them alone. Don’t get too dry! You want a little bit of lubrication. Rub your feet with lotion or petroleum jelly every night. If you must use orthotics use foam or gel.
Adjusting your lacing pattern to a heel-lock lace will also do wonders. If your shoes are on the loose side you may want to try two pairs of socks. You may also want to bring some blister protection gear with you such as extra socks, bandages, and antiseptic pads.
How Can I Heal A Blister Fast?
You are advised to leave a blister to heal naturally on its own. However, you can speed up the natural healing process by applying green tea, tea tree oil, or a few drops of eucalyptus oil mixed into one teaspoon of olive oil.
How Do You Properly Fit Shoes?
First, check the space at the end of the shoe. Stand up and make sure there is a finger’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Then, stand up, walk around in the shoes, and see if they fit comfortably well and don’t chafe or rub anywhere. Your heel must not slip or slide while walking.
Should New Shoes Be Tight?
Do not buy shoes with the expectation that they will stretch. You may be disappointed.
How Much Difference Is A Half Shoe Size?
It’s about a third of an inch. This measurement is sometimes called a barleycorn.
How Should Dress Shoes Fit?
They should fit perfectly the first time you try them on. Leather does not stretch much so don’t expect it to. They should be a little snug but not too tight.
Where Should Your Little Toe Be In Dress Shoes?
There should be a reasonable amount of space. If it feels cramped in there yet the overall length is good, you may need a wide-width shoe.
How Do You Protect Your Toes From Steel Toe Boots?
Start by buying quality boots that fit well to start with. Get ones that have cushioned outsoles (unless you’re a logger or lineman). Always wear socks that help your feet stay dry and comfortable. Consider adding a pair of insoles to them.
How Do You Protect Your Toes When Hiking?
There are so many ways to do this. You can start with a pair of comfortable, well-fitting boots and keep your nails trimmed. Lace your boots right and periodically retie them. Do not overload your pack and use a walking stick.
How To Keep Your Pinky Toe In Sandals?
Buy the right size to start with so that your pinky toe does not overhang. A halter pad may keep your foot in place. Don’t feel bad if your toes slip a little. It even happens to movie stars on the red carpet.
How To Stop Sandals Rubbing The Top Of The Foot?
A little surgical tape can prevent blistering. A squirt of hairspray can keep them from slipping around. Your sandals should be well-fitting and supportive.
Conclusion
Come to think of it, I think those things on my pinky toes are calluses rather than blisters. They’re white, oblong, and feel more like tough skin than a full blister. They’re smaller than they used to be, but years of food service and retail work have made them permanent. No matter what your occupation is, wear comfortable socks and shoes that don’t pinch your toes together.
