Summer time is quickly approaching.
Are you ready to bare your feet OR are you in panic mode wondering what you can do to minimize the appearance of ugly, overlapping toes?
No worries… if you do fall into that latter category and are suffering from crooked toes, I can help!
Did you know that there are non-surgical options to achieve better-looking, healthier feet… even if you are already suffering from crooked, overlapping toes?
Below, I would like to discuss not only the benefits of a little product called a toe separator, but also recommend my absolute favorite toe separators for overlapping toes.
You will be amazed at how such a small, economical device can, over time, save you from not only the embarrassment of being blessed with imperfect feet but also relieve the pain and complications associated with overlapping toes from conditions such has corns and calluses, hammertoes, bunions and many other foot deformities.
Why Do Our Toes Become Crooked and/or Overlap?
We have already established your problem… crooked, overlapping toes.
Before we establish what toe separators are and how they are used to correct overlapping toes, you need some background on exactly how and why you develop crooked, bent toes.
Let’s think about this…
Most of us wear tight shoes the majority of the time… which, by the way, is the most common culprit of toe deformities.
Let me explain…
When our feet are crammed into most shoegear, it forces our toes to bend. This bending places and holds our toes at unnatural angles.
Over time, these unnatural, bent angles force the tendons and ligaments of the toes to accept these new angles as “normal” and they begin to contract, or shorten and permanently assume this new, deformed position.
As a result of the tendons becoming too short and tight, the development of not only foot deformities such as hammertoes and bunions but also painful corns and calluses begins to prosper.
Well… the solution to your problem is a little product called a toe separator.
What are Toe Separators and How are They Used for Overlapping Toes?
What actually is a toe separator?
Toe separators are small devices made of medical-grade gel that, when placed between the toes, have the ability to spread, stretch and exercise the joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles of the toes via lifting and separating them.
This, in turn, stimulates the toes to “uncurl” and will reverse many years of damage to your feet by re-structuring your feet to their original alignment.
How can this be possible?
With the use of toe spacers/separators, your feet are held in a more anatomically correct alignment.
With consistent use of toe separators, over time, the intrinsic muscles, tendons and ligaments that were once forced to contract are gently stretched, slowly lengthened and any adhesions that were formed are broken down.
This increase in strength and flexibility encourages the toes to uncurl thus minimizing not
only the appearance of crooked toes and other foot deformities via assuming a more natural, optimal shape, but also reverses the numerous complications that result from these deformities.
Our feet are now able to resume their more natural position which makes walking and other physical activity far more comfortable.
Sounds pretty amazing, right?
I mean… we are talking about a safe, simple, cost-effective and natural, non-surgical solution to fight the appearance of ugly feet and toes!
You absolutely cannot beat that!
What are the Benefits of Utilizing Toe Separators for Overlapping Toes?
With the recent craze over toe separators for overlapping toes, more and more studies have been performed on the effectiveness and benefits of their use.
Initially, toe separators were typically viewed as a money-making gimmick, but… after researching the effects and benefits of the long-term use of these simplistic products, they have gained much respect within the medical community and now are often recommended by not only podiatrists, like me, but by many professionals in all fields of medicine.
Some benefits found via the use of toe separators for overlapping toes include, but are not limited to, the following (in no particular order):
- Prevents toe pain caused by the toes rubbing against one another
- Relieves general foot pain via toe strengthening
- Prevents the formation of corns caused by constant friction when the toes rub against each other
- Improves the overall appearance of the feet (the aesthetics of foot structure)
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- Aids in the correction and prevention of foot deformities such as hammertoes and bunions, among others by improving the function of the intrinsic muscles of the feet and toes
- Realigns joints and straightens bent toes by increasing the flexibility and length of the toes
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- Improves balance
- Improves gait cycle (the way that you walk)
- Improves posture by improving “grounding” of the feet
- Allows the planting of all toes on the floor which enables you to stand upright without tension or strain
- Improves circulation to the feet and toes
What Conditions can Toe Separators Actually Help to Treat?
Toe separators were designed primarily to help with painful conditions such as bunions,
hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes which cause the toes to bend and curl at unnatural angles, but when a portion of the foot is out of alignment, we have found that the whole body suffers.
One small toe deformity negatively impacts your ability to simply walk, jog, run and participate in any other physical activities without pain.
Did you know that improper “grounding” of the toes also wreaks havoc on your gait cycle (the way that you walk) as well as your body’s capability to bear weight?
Believe it or not… our toes can have a major impact on our whole body!
Having stated all of this, when you look at the big picture, toe separators can have a dramatic, positive influence on our bodies in its entirety both directly and indirectly.
The deformities in which toe separators have a direct influence on correcting include the
following:
- Hammertoes
- Mallet toes
- Claw toes
- Bunions
The conditions which can indirectly benefit from the use of toe separators are:
- Corns,
- Blisters,
- Ingrown toenails,
- Cramps,
- Neuromas,
- Metatarsalgia,
- Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain),
- Arthritis,
- Abnormal gait cycle,
- Shin Splints,
- Knee pain and injury,
- Hip pain,
- Back pain and injury,
- Poor posture,
- Balance issues and
- Poor circulation.
Why Use Toe Separators for Overlapping Toes?
If you look at the treatment options for overlapping toes, you will be surprised at the lack of options available.
Basically, you will find that two options for treatment are currently available: surgery or toe separators.
Why on Earth would you succumb to surgical correction when there is a much easier alternative out there?
The main reasons that I, as a podiatrist, recommend toe separators for overlapping toes over surgery include the following:
- Simplicity – Toe separators are comfortable and very easy to use.
- Affordability – When you compare the cost of my absolute favorite toe separators, YogaBody Awesome Toes! Corrective Spacers, at a mere price of $24.99 to all the costs associated with surgery, you can easily see that these toe separators are the most cost-efficient option for the treatment of overlapping toes.
- Economical – For the price noted above, you receive two pairs of YogaBody Awesome Toes! Corrective Spacers each in a separate size to ensure a perfect fit. Each pair is completely reusable and will last year after year.
- Safety Factor – When you consider the risks associated with surgical correction, you can easily see why toe separators for overlapping toes are extremely less risky and a much safer alternative for treatment.
- Flexibility – Toe Separators can be used daily with no side effects. In addition, while most toe separators, such as YogaToes GEMS, are made to be worn solely without shoes, YogaBody Awesome Toes! Corrective Spacers are made to be worn both with and without shoes which allows you the convenience of treating your deformities literally whenever you want.
- Fashionable
How are Toe Separators for Overlapping Toes Used?
Some toe separators are made to be worn while ambulating, or walking, therefore holding your toes in place while wearing shoegear, and others are made to be used while relaxing and non-weightbearing.
My favorite toe separators, YogaBody Awesome Toes! Corrective Spacers, can be worn while walking or relaxing thereby increasing the functionality of the product!
When I recommend toe separators to my patients, I give them very specific instructions.
Initially, I suggest a very slow start. You will have to get your feet accustomed to functioning in an anatomically correct alignment.
1. At first, wear your toe separators about 15 minutes per day. Should you notice any discomfort such as pain or cramping, decrease this time by 5 minute intervals.
2. Repeat this time interval daily for one week and then increase the time worn per day to 30 minutes.
3. As long as no discomfort is experienced, repeat daily for one week and then increase the wear time to 45 minutes per day.
4. Continue this cycle of increasing the time interval worn by 15 minutes on a weekly basis.
For best results, you want to gradually increase the time worn to a minimum of one hour per day. Some of my patients have worked up to wearing their toe separators for four + hours daily with drastic improvements in their deformities.
Final Thoughts on Toe Separators for Overlapping Toes
Suffering from crooked, bent toes is not only embarrassing and possibly painful, but it can affect the efficiency of the way your whole body functions.
Why suffer from this condition when there is an easy, safe and affordable solution to your problem?
The benefits of the use of toe separators for overlapping toes has been proven not only via research but I have witnessed them with my own eyes on hundreds of my personal patients.
Stop fighting ugly, bent toes and invest in the best toe separators for overlapping toes now!
The quicker you click to buy, the quicker you will be on your way to happy, healthy feet!
I hope that you have gained the knowledge that you were searching for in reading this article. I am ALWAYS here to help… it is what I love doing. Should you have any questions, experience with overlapping toes, or have products that you love for this condition, please feel free to comment below.
Your Online Foot Expert,
Dr. Misty
Podiatric Physician and Owner/Creator of FixUglyNails.com
It’s pretty amazing how much a low cost device or product like this can do for your health and well being. I had a problem with my toes once and bought a very good nail clipper and it solved any ingrown toenail problem I had. Like this, it was a simple, yet effective way to alleviate some potentially serious and medically expensive problems. You have written an amazing review and I think you have really explained things about this product in great detail. Well written and visually appealing blog post. You can’t make one much better than this!
Thank you David for the kind words AND for visiting my post on toe separators for overlapping toes. Most people expect that toe deformities can ONLY be corrected via surgery and… that is just wrong information! It is my sincerest goal to educate my readers on topics regarding their health and well-being and recommend products that are safe and effective.
Thanks again for your visit and feel free to comment if you think of any questions or concerns. Have a great Monday!
What a simple and neat way to correct a common problem! I love how you broke all the info into bite-sized chunks. Also, your list of what all a toe separator helps with is eye opening. I had no idea toe deformities could lead to so many issues. Thanks for sharing this valuable info!
Hello Sarah and thank you for visiting my post concerning the use of toe separators for overlapping toes. Isn’t this little device just amazing. And… it truly works with consistent use over time! I see the awesome results on a daily basis through my patients. I recommend the YogaBody Awesome Toes! Toe Separators all day, everyday over surgery! ((:
Wow what a great post. I absolutely can relate to this issue. I myself have had to use toe separators after an accident with my foot. I was having trouble with the toe next to my big toe leaning badly towards the big toe. The separator really helped.
Feet are such an important part of our bodies. If we start to walk funny due to our feet it can lead to other issues like back pain, hips and etc.
I really enjoyed reading your post and think this is really going to help anyone that is having issues with their feet. Great job.
Good morning Coralie and thank you for your comment. You, yourself, have actually seen the magic that toe separators can perform! I appreciate you coming on here to share your experiences with them. Our feet are SO important. They are our most important mode of transportation. We must take care of them! Should you have any questions please feel free to comment anytime. I am here to help!
Due to incessant wearing of shoes to and at work, I have developed a hammer toe. It is really annoying to see and somewhat embarrassing since I cannot off my shoes again in public. So, I guess making use of the toe separators would be the best option for me. I like the fact that it is very effective and would be best suited for me. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hello Tracy! I am so sorry that you are dealing with a hammertoe first-hand. While it may only be annoying and embarrassing at this time, eventually, your deformity will become painful within the toe joints. The toe separators are definitely a great place to begin! They are fairly inexpensive and very easy to use! Let me know if you have ANY additional questions… that is what I am here for! Thank you & good luck. Please come back with a review once you get your treatment going!
Yeah I think am really surprised that there could be a non surgical treatment for this type of toe deformation. Thou I don’t have such toe problems but I know quite a few friends suffering from this condition. I will surely share this amazing post with them so they can read about the toe separators.
Hey Charles and thank you for visiting my platform. Overlapping toes are quite common. If we, personally, don’t suffer from it, most of the time we know someone who does. These toe separators are definitely worth recommending to you affected friends. Trust me… they will thank you! Just remember to advise them… start slow! The most common complaint that I get is that people get them and try to wear them for hours! This can be very painful! Our bodies have to slowly adapt for this to be an effective means of treatment! Let me know if you have any questions… I am here to help!
Not bad at all. It’s the first time I’m hearing about the toe separators. It’s looks really good and I can really make use of this to help my toes get a better feel and look. I know a friend with hammer toes and he too can make use of this. It is truly embarrassing when a person’s toes has deformities. Seeing the before and after pictures on your site is also a reason to feel this is a good way to get those toes back to their normal way. Nice post here ma’am. I will grab the toe separators for their many advantages and mostly because it is affordable.
Hello John! I completely understand how overlapping toes can cause one to feel embarrassment! I deal with things like this everyday at work! I have definitely done my time researching the most cost-efficient, pain-free ways to eliminate many disorders of the feet! They are all tried and true! Let me know should you have any questions or concerns regarding this, or any other condition involving the feet. I would also love for you to come back with your own personal review of my recommended toe separators! My readers LOVE feedback!
Hey Misty, I loved your article. I can say that your article was a great read. Also, I never knew that there were so many foot conditions that can mess up your feet, I’ve never had problems with my feet or anything but I have met quite a few individuals who have crooked feet along with meeting women who had bad corns etc. Your article is a great read and a great benefit to those who’ll need it
Good morning R.J. and thanks for the kind words. Our feet are often so mis-treated! I am so happy that you do not have any personal experience with this! Just let me know how I can ever help you (or any of your friends). I am definitely here to help… it’s what I do!
Thank you so much for this detailed and educational post. I have been suffering from overlapping tor’s for a while now and it has caused a lot of pain to me. It has also caused be to lose my balance many times when walking on uneven ground which led to sprained ankles. I have been considering going for surgery as I’ve never given other options a thought. But I’ll definitely get
Hello Joe. I am so glad that you found my article educational. Overlapping toes can definitely be painful in both a direct and indirect way, such as causing you to lose your balance. We see it often. Surgery is definitely an option, but before you go under the knife, I think you will LOVE the results that you will get with the Yoga Toes Toe Separators. I would not put my name behind them if I truly didn’t believe that they are the best thing on the market for this condition! Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.
My first question is comfort. I know the one thing may be that you will be more comfortable when you don’t have issues with your feet but the real question is how comfortable are these to wear? I do wear sandals at times but at work I have to wear dress shoes. I have found a few pairs of shoes that are really comfortable but I actually threw a pair away last week that were severely cramping my feet. How well do these work in shoes that I already own or do I need to buy different shoes that have more room in the toes?
Hello Rick! I want to begin by saying that you will not find another product like these! I do initially recommend the Awesome Toes!® Toe Spacers to be used at night and while watching TV. However, as you become used to the product and increase the time per day that they are worn, they absolutely can be used in the more wide-toed athletic-style of shoe. This is one fact that really separates this product from the other similar products out there. As far as comfortability… as long as you break these in with your feet as instructed above, these are extremely comfortable to wear! Please let me know if you have any additional questions and, as I ALWAYS recommend, please come back after using this product and let us know your personal thoughts and review!
I have seen quite a number of people with such toes and they are usually not proud of it as its not a pretty site at all. A colleague of mine have resulted to wearing sock becase of such toe. I am really glad you have brought such nice and easy way to tackling this problem to our notice. I’ll inform her about this post so she can get this separator for herself. Thanks for sharing.
Good afternoon Dane! I am glad that you found my article! Most people know someone that is battling overlapping toes… it is a far too common condition. Because of this, I wanted my readers to gain insight into a cost-efficient treatment method that really works instead of always turning directly to surgical correction. Please let her know to come visit and read my article. Should she have any questions regarding this, or any other foot-related condition, have her reach out to me via comment! I will definitely get back with her. Have a great day!
Omg this is very helpful Dr Misty,
I was just wondering about it, I never knew the culprit is the shoe itself! For me, I got into an accident several months ago which made my toenail grow disproportionally and even after I stopped wearing shoes as often, it never grew back normally and it’s very depressing. I know it’s a long shot but do you think using the toe separator could make my toenail grow normally?
Good afternoon Riaz Shah! Thank you for visiting my platform. I am glad that you found my article helpful! I am so sorry to hear about your previous accident and the effects that it has had on your toenail. I know that these toe separators will NOT solve the problem that you are having with your toenail. For that I would recommend that you read my article titled “Symptoms of Toenail Fungus – Do YOU Have It?“. After you read that, if you have ANY questions, please feel free to comment below and I will do everything possible to help you out!
I was really surprised to know that this was actually a medical problem since I too have crooked toes! After reading through your review helped me understand alot of taking care of your feet and toes in general.
For those women who wear stilettoes and heeled shoes for too long, you can wear toe separators.
Shobhana… thank you for visiting my platform! I am glad that I could help! You are absolutely correct about women who wear stilettos and high-healed shoes… these toe separators are a must to ensure the long-term health of your feet. Let me know if you have any questions… I am always here to help!
Excellent article on toe separators,I gained immensely from this post,to be factual,I’ve not come across of such product,its amazing and very useful,I always wear shoes and this very product would be beneficial to me,this is a great initiatives.The foot will regain its normal shape through this product,foot deformities via assuming a more natural, optimal shape, but also reverses the numerous complications that result from these deformities,the functionalities of this toe separators is exciting because it addresses a problem,thank you for sharing this helpful post.
Abayomi… thank you for reading my article about toe separators for overlapping toes. I am so glad that you were able to gain insight on this condition. If you have ANY questions moving forward with them, please don’t hesitate to just come back and ask. Also… my readers and I would LOVE for you to come share your personal experience with them once your order arrives! Have a great afternoon!
Hi Dr. Misty, this is such an informative and educational post!
While I’m probably the least medical personal, I found the article really easy to follow and understand. And personally I do know some people with these conditions, and now I can actually give them some advice instead of feeling helpless.
Thanks for sharing this!
Hello Tim and thank you for visiting my platform. I am glad that I was able to give you a deeper understanding about overlapping toes and how toe separators can help. Feel free to share this information with your friends and let them know that I am here to help should they have any questions!
Thank you for sharing this non surgical option for overlapping toes! I personally hate surgery of any kind, I know that sometimes it’s necessary but if I do not need it I won’t. The Toes separator is a genius idea! I love that it os so affordable and so versatile. I will give them a try and will order one for my husband as well, he has been complaining because he is wearing his dress shoes all day. Thanks for the review!
Hi Nuttanee! Yes… surgery comes with associated risks and can be quite scary (and expensive). As long as the presenting condition can be solved in a non-surgical manner, that is always my first recommendation. Please come back and let us know how much you LOVE the YogaBody Toes! They are truly amazing!
Wow, thank you for this great and informative post! I had no idea such devices existed. It’s like Invisalign for your feet.
I had no idea that toe position/status could affect so many conditions. This is simply a must-have for virtually anyone suffering from nearly any foot-related issue.
Considering how inexpensive these are and how non-invasive they are, especially compared to surgery and it’s a no-brainer.
My only concern is “getting used to them”. I’m a bit of an odd duck and know immediately when something feels off. Having a device such as this around my toes will take some adjustment time I’m sure.
Thanks again,
Scott
Hello Scott! These toe separators have EXACTLY the same concept as Invisalign… thank you for that great comparison! Your concern with them is absolutely validated. That is why I strongly recommend the “break in period” of 15 minutes/day initially at most. Our bodies (and our minds) will quickly adapt to the added separators if we do it correctly!
Hi,
Great post about toe separators. These may actually be able to help my next-door neighbour, who is an 85 year old lady. Last week I saw her and she couldn’t even walk properly. She has overlapping toes. I did ask her if she was doing some treatment or not. She said she is under medications. But I think, this toe separator can help her for a long time. I am gonna share this post with her daughter who is her full-time caregiver, I think they will help.Thanks.
Hello Nazmun. I am so glad that you ran across my article. Your neighbor definitely doesn’t seem like a candidate with her age. Toe separators would be a fabulous alternative. Please come back and let us know when she gets them in and how she likes them.
Looking at some of the images I was really wondering if they could only be used barefooted but it seems they can also be worn when wearing a shoe. I really don’t know why someone would pick foot surgery over this unless they probably don’t know about this. Such a simple and effective way to solve a rather complicated problem.
While most toe separators do require you to be barefoot, the YogaBody Awesome Toes definitely can be worn with or without shoes. I think the reason that most people pick surgical correction for their deformities is due to their lack of awareness on other, less-invasive options! That is why I am here!