Wearing narrow, pointed toe shoes and open-toe sandals (with no support at the ankle) forces toes and metatarsal bones to curl up or move into unnatural positions, meaning the muscles are weakened and the joints deformed. As would be obvious, such situation is most common in warm seasons as there is a sudden change in footwear.

In addition to this cause, genetics can also play a main role in the development of these problems, especially one’s step. There are also problems relating to ingrown toenails, post-operative issues and traumas.

Unfortunately, these movements and problems can be very painful, especially in one’s day-to-day activities because of friction and/or pressure from footwear which also causes friction between the toes themselves.

That’s why we offer a very wide range of Toe Separators and Protectors to prevent these bothersome issues, enabling the use of narrow footwear, even with frequent cases of pain and irritation in the toes.

They’re designed to adapt to toes and prevent or alleviate wounds like bunions or diseases, calluses and deformities. There are separators and protectors for every type of incident.

Toe health

Toes can become affected by several problems that have an impact of a person’s day to day and other aspects of their physical and emotional health.

The most common toe diseases are:

• Bunions.Hallux Valgus. It is a deviation of the first metatarsal bone in the big toe. It is caused by the deformation of the bone, which can be due to several causes such as inadequate footwear, when the big toe is longer than the others, flat feet or high instep, rheumatoid arthritis, age or genetics in the way one walks. Bunions are more frequently observed in women. Bunions form upon bone deviation; this occurs when the big toe rests over the second toe.
• Ingrown toenails. It occurs when the toe nail sinks into the flesh. This may be due to footwear that’s too tight and incorrectly cutting the nails. Some people are even born with downward ingrown toenails.
• Calluses. They are a part of the thick, hardened skin that forms on the toes, heels or below the toes and in the part of the foot that supports the body the most when wearing heels. This thick skin forms to protect these areas from constant friction. Calluses are bothersome, ugly and can even be quite painful. The reasons they appear include wearing narrow footwear, high heels, narrow socks, a lack of moisturisation and a lack of exfoliation.
• Fungi. Athlete’s foot, onychomycosis and paronychia. All of these toe diseases are caused by fungi, which occurs due to excess moisture in the feet, closed footwear and using public showers or swimming in pools.

• As necessary as the rest of the body, toes must be taken care ofto prevent injuries, malformation, infections and pain. Besides good moisturisation and toe and foot cleaning, it’s a good idea to massage the toes after removing your shoes. Pay attention to the effect of the socks and tights used, wear different and comfortable footwear at home and walk correctly.
• All of this will help maintain good toe health; there are also remedies and ways to avoid the most common toe diseases.
• Prevent or cure bunions. If you have women in your family who have a history of bunions, you might get them too. To prevent them or mitigate them, one must avoid wearing shoes that are too closed from a very early age. The toes should also be exercised by walking or doing a few exercises like picking up small objects from the ground. Take relaxing baths with rosemary or lavender to prevent inflammation. Toe protectors and separators can relieve pain and prevent bunions just like the Hallux Valgus corrector.
• Prevent or cure ingrown toenails. Avoid wearing shoes that excessively oppress the toes, soak the feet in hot water and cut your toenails so there are no tips on the side and they aren’t too short. Ingrown toenails should be treated by disinfecting using a local antibiotic, soaking the feet in hot water for 20 minutes using antibacterial soap and then drying the toes well. Place a little dental floss under the affected toe and change it every day so the toe starts growing without sinking into the skin. It’s best not to use excessively closed footwear until cured.
• Prevent or cure calluses on the feet. Take a relaxing footbath at the end of the day, exfoliate the heels with a pomace stone or special file and massage the toes with essential oils. There are many home remedies for calluses, mainly good exfoliation, oils and natural products, massages and protectors, separators and lotions.

Prevent and cure fungi. Fungi are very contagious and exposure to them must be avoided. You must wear flip flops in public places where you may be barefoot, change socks once a day and use talcum powder or fungi powder. Never use shoes with plastic lining as your shoes must be well-ventilated and it’s best not to wear the same shoes two days in a row so any sweat can completely dry. You should see a podiatrist for any of the issues above.