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Understanding Morton's Foot

Morton’s Toe: When Your Second Toe Is Longer Than Your Big Toe

Feet come in all shapes and sizes, and while many people have heard of common foot conditions like bunions or flat feet, there’s another lesser-known but equally interesting foot characteristic called Morton’s foot or Morton’s toe.

The condition occurs when the second toe is longer than the big toe, leading to potential biomechanical implications and foot-related issues. Let’s delve into Morton’s Foot, its potential effects on foot health, and how to manage it.

What is Morton’s foot/toe?

Understanding Morton's Foot

Morton’s Foot, also known as Morton’s toe/foot or Greek foot, is a foot structure in which the second toe is longer than the big toe. The big toe is the longest in a typical foot, followed by the second toe. (Despite sharing the same name, Morton’s neuroma and Morton’s toe are not the same.)

However, in individuals with Morton’s foot, the second toe extends beyond the big toe, sometimes significantly. The condition is quite common. As many as 40%+ individuals have a longer second toe than a big toe.

Potential biomechanical implications

Understanding Morton's Foot

But here’s the twist: while Morton’s foot is generally considered a variation of normal foot anatomy rather than a medical condition, it can have some surprising biomechanical implications that affect gait and foot function. Let’s explore these potential issues associated with Morton’s foot.

Added pressure on the second toe

The longer second toe may bear more weight during walking or standing, leading to increased pressure and potential discomfort or pain in the ball of the foot, which may contribute to clawing of the toe and hammertoes.

Gait changes

Morton’s foot can alter the distribution of weight and pressure across the foot, potentially affecting gait mechanics and posture. This may contribute to overpronation, increasing the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints and bunions.

Footwear challenges

Finding the right footwear can be a real challenge for individuals with Morton’s foot. Shoes often fail to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe, leading to issues such as rubbing, irritation, or the development of thickened or ingrown toenails, corns or calluses on the affected toe.

How to manage Morton’s foot

While Morton’s Foot may not require medical intervention, there are steps individuals can take to manage associated discomfort or mitigate potential issues proactively:

  • Choose footwear wisely. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box to comfortably accommodate the longer second toe—Asics is a great choice for a roomier and wider toe box. Avoid narrow or pointed shoes that can squeeze or crowd the toes.
  • Consider orthotic support. Custom orthotic inserts or insoles can offset pressure on the toes and support the foot. This can alleviate any discomfort associated with Morton’s Foot and improve your overall foot mechanics.
  • Foot-strengthening exercises. Engaging in exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle can help improve stability and support, reducing the risk of overuse injuries or discomfort associated with Morton’s foot.
  • Regular foot care. Practicing good foot hygiene and monitoring for signs of irritation or injury can help prevent complications such as corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails on the longer second toe.
Custom Orthotics: When and Why You Might Need Them

Visit Feet First Clinic if you have Morton's toe

If you have concerns about Morton’s foot or experience persistent foot pain or discomfort, visit us at Feet First Clinic at 2481 Bloor St W.

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