footwind

Figuring out your shoe size can be a bit tricky, especially if you have big feet. Your feet also change over time making it harder to get the best possible fit. Knowing how to measure foot width and length is not a technique that only experts can do. Matter of fact, you can do it right at your home; and this article will teach you how.

Brannock device

The most accurate way to measure foot size and width is by using a Brannock Device. However, this precise device is pretty expensive considering it’s not an essential item to own. Brannock Devices can cost as much as seventy bucks on a single purchase.

If you have access to a boutique or some specialty store with a shoe fitter, it’s possible to have someone measure your feet with a Brannock device to get your correct foot measurement.

Measuring foot width and length

While it’s almost impossible to utilize a Brannock device without buying it yourself, there is still a way to get the best possible precision. Here’s how to measure your feet at home.

1. Gather the following

• A writing utensil (preferably a small pencil)
• Two pieces of paper (preferably legal size)
• Ruler

Note: You can do this on your own. But things get easier when you have someone to help you do the task.

2. Steps

The gist of the activity is to simply trace your feet but you must be careful enough to make it right.

• Sit down on a chair where the floor is level.
• Place the paper on the floor where you can reach it easily.
• Now place one of your foot on top of the paper and rest it naturally. If you’re a right-handed person, it’s easier to measure your right foot first.
• Hold the pencil vertically and perpendicular to the paper and place the tip on the starting point of your choice.
• Now trace the perimeter of your feet, carefully keeping the pencil vertical and perpendicular to the paper at all times.

Note: Do NOT make an angle with the pencil. Otherwise, it can already have a great impact on the measurement you get. It’s also not necessary to trace the outline of each toe – your main concern is the longest toe.

• Set aside the paper and grab the other. Now repeat the whole process with your other foot. The reason why you should do this is explained below.
• When done, you can get both papers and the ruleR. Start measuring the distance from the bottom of your heel outline to the top of the longest toe.

Note: It’s important NOT to measure in a slant line. You might mistakenly place the ruler in an angled position from the heel to your thumb-toe (if it’s the longest toe).

• When you finally get your measurements, subtract according to the diameter of the pencil. Use the same ruler to measure the diameter of your pencil – a normal pencil can be around 0.50 centimeters or around 0.25 inches. So if you measure your feet to be 8 inches, the final measurement would be 7.75 inches (after you subtract 0.25 inches to account for the pencil’s diameter).
• Make sure to tally your measurements in both centimeters and inches for easy comparison (and to double check).
• Here’s to measure the width of your foot: physically inspect and find the widest point of your foot. It’s usually from the ball spanning to the opposite side.
• Just like how you attain the length, subtract the diameter of your pencil from the initial value. It’s MORE important to do this in getting your foot width.
• Repeat steps 7 to 11 for the other foot.
• Do the whole process again if you’re not satisfied with your initial findings.
• Congratulations! You already got an accurate foot measurement!

You might be confused why you should measure both of your feet. Surprisingly, there are some people who have asymmetrical feet. That means one of your foot could be slightly larger than the other; so it’s better to be sure.

If you somehow confirm your feet are asymmetrical, use the measurement of your larger foot when buying new shoes.

Tips for measuring your feet

There are ways you can do to maximize the accuracy of your foot measurement. Here are the tips you can follow:

1. Wear socks

If you plan to wear the shoes you intend to buy with your bare feet, it’s would be ideal to measure your bare feet. But since you will be wearing most of your shoes with socks or stockings, it’s also ideal to measure your feet while you are wearing the type of stockings or socks you will wear with the shoes you want to buy.

2. Walk first

It’s not entirely advisable to measure your feet during the morning especially if you haven’t done any workout routine yet. It is ideal to measure your feet after a day of walking or doing any activity that requires your feet (jogging, running, etc.).

Your feet tend to slightly increase in size after a full day of work – swollen to their maximum size. So that gives your measurement just the right allowance to attain an accurate result.

3. Have someone to assist

It’s also advisable to have a person trace your feet for you. If you have a friend who can help you, it’s an opportunity to get a more accurate result. You can do so by standing up straight, with your feet bearing all your weight.

While standing straight, your friend can start tracing the outline of your feet. After which, follow the procedure above.

4. Round-up

Shoes obviously come in different sizes but the thing that most people don’t spend attention to is how the sizes vary. The difference of shoe sizes can be as small as 1/8 of an inch.

That means when you measure your foot and found out there is no “exact” size that matches it, make sure to round the measurement to the larger number nearest to it. Rounding up will guarantee a better likelihood of finding a good shoe fit.

5. check international shoe sizes

For some reasons, different countries somehow have different shoe size standards. With that in mind, make sure you consult international size charts when you plan to buy shoes from the U.K., other parts of Europe, or elsewhere in the world.

There are conversion charts available wherein you can compare your U.S. size against the size of the country of origin.

How to find your shoe size?

Now that you’ve measured your feet size, it’s time to know its corresponding shoe size. Look at the table below and find your size. As told in the tip above: when you can’t find the exact size that matches your measurement, simply look for the next highest half size.

1. Children's shoe size

2. men's shoe size

3. Women's shoe size

How to determine shoe width?

You already know how to measure foot width. The width of your foot must be relative to the shoe size. That means a 4-inch width might be regular for a certain individual but would be considered narrow for someone with a larger size.

Find the right width by finding your shoe size below and move horizontally and find the width measurement (you have measured earlier). For men, this is to determine if you are wide, medium, or narrow.

Again, if you can’t find the exact number, round up to the nearest wider measurement.

Note: The chart measurement is in inches.

1. Men's width size

2. Women's width size

Women tend to have five width classifications. Determine if you are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide by doing the same instructions above (in the Men’s)

What are the factors that afect shoe fit?

Size is not the only element that will affect the fit of your shoes, though it surely is the biggest factor. Shoe size will never guarantee a perfect fit. This serves as a reminder for people who are planning to shop for their next shoes.

Here are some other things that affect the way your shoes fit when you wear it:

1. Foot proportions

There are people who have shorter toes while others have longer ones. The size of your toes can have an impact on how the ball of the foot may sit at its corresponding spot in the shoe. You can consult an expert salesperson for the right recommendations to address whatever your case is.

2. Instep height

Determining your instep height is a good way to select the cut of the shoe that will suit you best. The instep height is fundamentally the foot’s top part that slopes from the ankle down to the toes.

So the instep height is its measurement from the bottom of the foot to the top – basically how thick your foot is. Some people have a steep instep or a thicker foot, while some people have a shallower instep or thinner foot.

3. Arch height

The arch of your foot is that concave section at the bottom of your foot between the heel and the ball. There are three types of arch – low arch, medium arch, and high arch. Low arch means you have flat feet while high arch means you have a very concave foot.

You can determine your arch type by simply looking at your foot. If you’re not convinced enough, you can step in the sand while you are at the beach. You can also wet your feet and step on the concrete around a swimming pool.

Observe your footprint. A low arch (or flat feet) will look almost solid from the heel to the ball. A high arch (highly concave) will show the heel and ball of your foot in the footprint with a very narrow side. Lastly, a medium arch (regular arch) will show a classic footprint look – the side of the foot is curved enough to connect the heel and ball.

Summary

Measuring your feet is not a hard task. All you need is a set of proper instructions on how to measure foot width and length, then you’re good to go. Follow the guideline well and you will attain the most accurate foot measurement possible.

Plantar fasciitis is common to runners because they use their feet more frequently than average people. However, it doesn’t mean that athletes are the only ones who can experience this condition. It can happen to anyone who tends to abuse their plantar fascia. This condition is quite painful and can limit the things you can do. If you’re one of those people, here’s how to tape foot for plantar fasciitis.

Taping is an essential way to relieve your feet from plantar fasciitis. Its sole purpose is to avoid further strain on the plantar fascia. Moreover, taping allows your plantar fascia to heal by unloading strains. Put simply, taping your feet regularly will improve the condition of your feet.

So here are the best ways to tape your feet if you’re suffering from this condition. You’ll also get introduced to important additional information about the ailment.

What is plantar fascia?

The plantar fascia is located at the back of your foot. It is a ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. Further, this also serves as a spring that supports the arch around your feet.

Inflammation occurs when your plantar fascia gets strained. The sensation is so painful that you’ll have a hard time standing, walking, or running.

When the strain happens in a consistent, repetitive circumstance, it will cause a more severe inflammation which is called as plantar fasciitis.

What does taping do?

Taping is an effective way to alleviate the said feet condition. Taping will prevent your plantar fascia from over stretching.

Taping should be done immediately. Also, you have to make sure that the tape is not too tight and not too loose. Taping too tight will disrupt your blood circulation. Consequently, taping too lose will just allow your plantar fascia to continue stretching.

Ways to tape foot for plantar fasciitis

1. Longitudinal arch taping

The longitudinal method is effective in supporting your feet’s plantar fascia. Taping with this approach will keep the plantar fascia from over stretching.

1. Prepare the necessary tapes. First, cut two 1-inch strips of tape. Once done, cut another six strips but this time, make it wider and longer.
2. Now utilize the 1-inch tape and tape your small toe. Start taping from behind the toe, making your way to the back of your foot.
3. Do the same thing on your big toe. Start from behind and work your way to the back of your foot.
4. Now grab the wider and longer strips and tape from the bottom of the 1-inch tape. After which, tape it all the way to the bottom of your feet until you reach the other side of the 1-inch tape. Make sure to overlap the tapes to attain good support.
5. Begin on the other side of the 1-inch tape and tape all the way to the other side. Ensure the tape does not wrinkle and is straight all the way. Remember, do not make it too tight or too loose.
6. When done with the wider ones, tape another one behind your small toe and reach all the way to the side of your big toe.

2. Low dye taping

This method supports not just your foot but your ankle as well. It will help heal the plantar fascia and relieve the pain it can cause. This is another advisable approach to heal your foot.

1. Similar to the previous method, start the tape from the lower part of your big toe and up to the side of your small toe.
2. Grab another piece of tape and start from the lower part of your big toe and up to the lower part of your small toe.
3. This time, tape your foot all around; beginning from the big toe to the smaller toe.
4. You also need to tape from your big toe and work all the way to the back of your heel.
5. After which, tape all the way up to the small toe.
6. At the back of your foot, put an X big enough to cover the back of your foot.
7. Now fill the back of your foot with horizontal strips until your entire foot is covered.

3. Arch brace taping

This one is the easiest method. When you cover your arch properly, your feet will tend to stabilize and it can now absorb shocks with greater integrity.

1. Simply wrap the tape around the arch of your foot
2. Make sure that fully covers and supports your arch.
3. Make the arch brace as thick as you want it to be.

4. Taping techniques

While it looks relatively easy, there’s always the chance to do it all wrong. Here are some techniques that will help you master the art of taping of your feet.

1. While taping is helpful, you can’t have it forever. It is advisable to tape your feet during the evening, let it sit overnight, and take it off first thing in the morning.
2. You should also clean your feet daily and make sure that it is completely dry before you wear any socks or footwear. The tape won’t stick enough in dirty feet.
3. Apart from wiping your feet with a clean, dry cloth after a bath, it is also advisable to treat it with some air dryer to maximize dryness. The tape won’t have a firm grip if your feet are moist or sweaty.
4. Use only high-quality adhesive tapes for your foot. Do not let the tape stick on your feet longer than 12 hours because it can potentially impose harm.
5. Your feet need to breathe air and the tape deprives some breathability. Allow proper blood circulation by not making it too tight. Get enough support by not making it too loose either.
6. Before the tape touches your skin, make sure that you smooth it out first. Ensure that the tape does not wrinkle. Otherwise, it will not become as effective as it’s supposed to be plus it will make you feel uncomfortable.
7. One indication that you’re able to tape your feet right is you are free to wriggle and move it. Taping feet with the right tightness will promote better blood circulation.
8. Noticing that your feet turn blue means you’ve taped it too tight. Allow your foot to breathe by taking off the tape and attempting to do it again later.

What is the right tape for plantar fasciitis?

You must choose the right tape for the process to be effective. You can’t just use any duct tape or cellulose tape you can find lying around in your house. A doctor might give you sensible recommendations on what type and brand of tape you should use.

1. Flexible

When choosing things on your own, make sure the tapes are flexible enough that can stretch with your feet movement – with just the right amount of grip that won’t disturb your blood circulation.

2. Sweat-proof

It’s also a big plus to choose tapes that are sweat-proof. If you perspire excessively, the tape might be removed without you knowing.

3. Podiatrist-recommended

Your doctor will recommend a special tape for your plantar fasciitis. These tapes will relieve the pain associated with the condition, consequently giving you the movement freedom you deserve. The tapes will allow you to do household chores that could have been impossible without them.

It’s important to consult your doctor because he can evaluate the right kind of tape for you. That includes considering some factors including skin irritation. He sure can give you something that is latex free or made of hypoallergenic material.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

When your first steps from your bed after waking up cause pain at the back of your feet, you might be suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Make yourself aware whether you have a frequent painful sensation at the bottom of your foot, especially close to the heel because it’s a solid indication of the ailment.

The pain is triggered not just by walking but by virtually any motion activity that involves your feet – including jogging, running, or simply standing or sitting.

The pain will show after a long jog or walk so you must watch out for the symptoms.

What are the foot problems caused by sprain?

Having painful feet is a sure-fire way of ruining your day. This is especially when your work requires you to move around all day long.

Your feet need to be taken care of and being aware of the causes will help you avoid the condition. Who wants to suffer from aching feet by the way? No one, probably.

A sprain in your feet can happen when the ligaments around your feet start to overstretch. You will feel the pain of constant strain on your ankle or foot because these ligaments are responsible for holding your bone together.

A deformity can possibly occur and will pave the way for foot problems, not just plantar fasciitis. This may include:

• Stress fractures
• Acute and chronic osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis

Causes of palntar fasciitis

You already have the idea that plantar fasciitis can be triggered by repeated sprain. Correspondingly, what causes a sprain to occur? Here are some of the human activities that promote sprain:

1. Wrong foot gear

We’re all guilty of these. Women, for instance, are fond of wearing high stilettos even on some undemanding situations.

Wearing the right shoe is the single, most important way to prevent plantar fasciitis from happening in the first place. From now on, be selective in your footgear. Choose something that can balance your weight evenly on your feet.

2. Running or walking

Too much of everything is indeed unhealthy. Do not do running exercises far beyond your capacity. Be mindful of the symptoms that your feet might show. And act on it immediately.

3. Diseases

There are also some diseases that come with plantar fasciitis. This includes arthritis and a handful of other foot problems.

4. Injuries

An injury is imminent when you land in a wrong approach. You can accidentally put your entire weight on the wrong side of the foot, causing a sprain in the process. Constant jumping can also be a way.

Who are the people who must tape their foot for plantar fasciitis?

There are some people who are more prone to this condition. If you are one of these people, it is advised you tape your foot as part of your routine to avoid suffering from this ailment.

1. Dancers

Dancing too much can overwork your feet. It might inflame your plantar fascia which will then lead to plantar fasciitis. Start by dancing on a not-so-hard surface.

2. Runners

Not surprising enough. Runners are the people who easily get strains. That means they are more prone to this condition. Start by running at a more comfortable pace and not push yourself too much.

3. Old people

It seems age is a determining factor of this condition. People from 40 to 60 years old tend to be more prone to plantar fasciitis. Usually, this is associated with arthritis.

4. Obese and pregnant woman

Pregnant women and obese people are more prone because of their extra weight. The feet can only hold too much until it breaks down.

The plantar fascia absorbs shocks so it can get overworked due to excess weight. If pregnant, alleviate the problem by wearing roomy, comfortable shoes. If obese, the best way is to change your lifestyle.

Summary

The unfortunate thing about plantar fasciitis is that no cure is available as of the moment. There are only some treatment processes and some prescription painkillers.

However, it doesn’t mean we can just tolerate this condition forever. You can do some proven exercises and make it a part of your regular routine.

One of the best solutions is learning how to tape foot for plantar fasciitis and incorporate these methods into your daily life. Taping is a great way to manually align your plantar fascia into the right position so it won’t bother you the next morning. 

A bunion is a soft tissue deformity at the base of your big toe that can cause relapsing or persistent inflammation. The bunion is derived from a word that means bump, hence its appearance on the side of your foot. It causes extreme pain that can possibly lead to arthritis. Good news is there are actually ways on how to relieve bunion pain at home.

Important tips in relieving bunion without surgery

Here are some essential guidelines you can follow when treating your bunion without medication.

1. Soak your feet first

The first thing to do is to soak. Nothing handles irritated feet better than a warm soak that can soothe sores. A clean basin will suffice; no need to have an actual foot spa at home.

Grab your favorite bath salts (Epsom salt is more advisable) and pour a few tablespoons into a basin filled with lukewarm water. The volume of the water must be enough to cover your ankle. Soak your feet for about 15 minutes or until the water cools down.

If you’re wondering, Epsom salt can be found easily in first aid supplies stores.

2. Toe stretching

Sometimes all it takes is a little exercise to alleviate the pain. You can address your toes along with sore joints with a stretching exercise. Here’s how to do it:

1. Seat in a comfortable chair
2. Using your hands, reach and grasp your toe
3. If you’re not flexible enough, use a strap
4. Now pull your toe towards you
5. Hold the position for about half-a-minute
6. Repeat numerous time
7. Stop when the pain worsens

3. Topical analgesic

You can also browse online for some topical pain relief creams and gels. It’s important to have something that is rich in menthol and similar ingredients.

Menthol can give you a satisfying, cooling sensation. There are also products that contain a chili-pepper-derived compound that can block the pain signals into the specific area where you apply it. Zostrix, for instance, is a popular product having this compound (called capsaicin).

4. Toe spacer

You can also use a toe spacer or a bunion relief splint. These devices can help in relieving the inflammation and pain. They alleviate the condition by reducing the toe joint’s stress.

Wearing practical shoes

You already know the vital preliminary tips in relieving bunion; now it’s time for the real deal. The next step is to find yourself some sensible shoes.

Footwear is the biggest factor affecting this condition. Unless you love “grounding” and prefer walking in barefoot in the first place, then this has nothing to do with it.

Even though bunion is genetic, your footwear is a great factor that triggers the said condition. Shoes, especially pointed ones, are proven to exacerbate the issue. You can also safely conclude that women are more prone to bunions because of the type of shoes they tend to wear.

1. Square or round toe box

Start by switching to more comfortable shoes that offer more room, enough to wiggle your toes. When you have a bunion (or attempts to prevent it), shoes with a square toe box is ideal. You can also go for something round, as long it’s not pointed enough.

2. No heels

As much as possible try to ignore your stilettos for the meantime. Switch to a footwear having no more than an inch of heels. If you can’t live without heels, then at least try something that’s relatively wide.

3. Right materials

Avoid shoes that cause your feet to sweat, consequently promoting bunion. Go for shoes that feature soft leather and refrain from wearing those composed of synthetic materials.

4. No seams

Do not wear shoes that have seams in the toe box. The seams can rub against your feet. The friction will irritate bunions and can worsen it.

Medication

It’s really not bad to seek medication. Scientists work hard formulating these things for the betterment of everyone’s living.

Medical drugs that help relieve bunion pain include naproxen, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. These oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical medication are effective in controlling the condition.

Applying ice

The extremely cold temperature of ice is enough to constrict your blood vessels, numbing the pain and relieving the swelling in the process.

Just grab your ice bag, put some ice, and apply on the affected area for up to 20 minutes or until the ice subsides.

If you have no ice bag, substitute it with a paper towel or a thin cloth then use it to wrap the ice.

Orthoytics

Orthotics is the solution to preventing bunion to form. These molded shoe inserts will correct the feet mechanics that promote the condition to occur.

Proper orthotics is capable of limiting abnormal pronation. As a result, you can expect your foot bones and big toe joint to stabilize.

It’s like shooting two birds with one stone. Orthotics can prevent minimize bunion pain and at the same time, it can avert the condition from progressing.

Bunion corrector / protective pads

These are like a specialized ring for the big toe that keeps friction from happening. Protective pads serve as cushioning that prevents the bunion from worsening by protecting it from friction with a moleskin pad or gel.

You can also go for medicated pads that are coated with some type of acid that can “eat away” the bunion.

Splint and braces

This one can also be worn inside your shoes. It’s similar to protective pads but is quite bigger. It may not hold the promise of correcting your bunion, splint and braces can sure move your toe into the right position.

When your toe is in a constant, proper position, the tension on the toe muscles and tendon are effectively relieved.

Summary

Learning how to relieve bunion pain is an essential knowledge you can incorporate in battling this condition. It’s indeed a good news that you can put an end to your situation without any surgery or some sort. If all else fails, or if you want an immediate action, you can always visit your doctor and have the affected area injected with cortisone to quickly alleviate discomfort and swelling.

Our feet is one of the most remarkable gifts of biology. It is an essential structure of our anatomy. It’s hard to think of any human activity that doesn’t require the use of feet. We use it from the moment we wake up, to get to our jobs, and to drive home tired from a day’s work. The feet are so intricate that knowing how many bones are in the foot might surprise you.

What is a feet

The feet (singular, foot) is an anatomical structure present in almost all vertebrates. The main purpose of the feet is to allow locomotion. Additionally, it’s the terminal section of the limb responsible for supporting the entire weight. Common to all humans, each foot is made up of more than one sector of bones.

How many bones are in the feet?

Now here’s the real deal. There are exactly 52 bones in normal human feet – that is 26 bones for each foot. Moreover, the particular bodily structure is also composed of 19 muscles, 107 ligaments, and 33 joints. A new-born baby may have more bones in the feet when compared to a normal adult. However, eventual adulthood will cause the bones to fuse over time, resulting in 52 bones overall.

What are the bones inside the feet?

Here’s the list of the bones of a human foot.

• fibula
• tibia
• tarsus: navicular, cuboid, three (3) cuneiformes, calcaneus, talus
• metatarsus: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth
• phalanges

How many metatarsal bones are in the foot?

There are a total five metatarsal bones in the foot. They are not named but is rather classified from first to fifth.

Feet structure

The feet can be categorized into three – namely hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot.

1. Forefoot

The forefoot comprises of the five metatarsal bones (forming the metatarsus) along with the five toes correspondingly.

Phalanges are the term pertaining to the bones of the toes. The four smaller toes are composed of three (3) phalanges each; while the remaining big toe has two (2) phalanges.

• The joints between the phalanges and metatarsus are called metatarsophalangeal.
• Interphalangeal is referred to the joints between the phalanges themselves.

2. Midfoot

The midfoot is comprised of bones that serve as shock absorbers. They’re the ones who bear a significant part of your weight.

The midfoot has five (5) irregular bones: three (3) cuneiforms, one (1) navicular, and one (1) cuboid. These five bones form the arches of the foot which structurally made them the shock absorbers of the body.

It’s called midfoot because it’s located between the forefoot and the hindfoot. It’s connected to those bones via the plantar fascia and the muscles.

3. Hindfoot

Hindfoot comprises of the heel bone (calcaneus) and the ankle bone (talus). The ankle is formed through the connection of the top of the talus and the lower leg’s two long bones, the fibula, and tibia.

Matter of fact, the largest bone of the foot is the heel bone (calcaneus) which is connected to the ankle bone (talus) through the subtalar joint. It is layered by fat that cushions it underneath.

What are the types of pronation?

Pronation, as used in foot anatomy, defines how the body distributes the weight to that part of the body as it cycles through the gait. There are three known types of pronation – overpronation, underpronation (supination), and neutral pronation.

Knowing what type you are is an essential step in choosing the right shoes, consequently taking care of your bones in the process.

1. Neutral pronation

This type of pronation happens when the foot tends to roll inward marginally from the heel’s outer edge through the big toe and forefoot.

You may not notice any tilt if you put your shoes on a flat surface. Further, the soles of your running shoes will wear in an S-pattern shape which you can notice from the big toe to the lateral (outer) heel.

You can consider yourself lucky when you are a neutral pronator because you can basically run in a wide variety of shoes. However, it’s best if you go for shoes having specialized neutral cushioning.

Ideal shoes:

• Shoes that have more ground contact feel
• Good, general cushioning
• Neutral cushioned shoes

2. Severe (overpronation)

Now this one happens when the foot tends to roll inward in an excessive manner starting from the heel to the midfoot.

You can tell you have this type of pronation when you notice extra wear under the ball of your foot (particularly the big toe) and the inside of the heel. You can also feel an inward tilt when you put your shoes on a flat surface.

Ideal shoes:

• With extra cushioning; preferably with motion control
• With arch support and firm midsoles
• Medial post support
• Running shoes with utmost stability

3. Underpronation (supination)

Underpronation occurs when your feet tend to strike the ground on the heel’s lateral side. The foot will refrain to roll far in a medial direction. The weight usually goes to the fifth metatarsal and to the foot’s lateral side.

You are a supinator when you can notice the wear occurs on the outside of your running shoes. You can also notice a little outward tilt when you try to stand with your running shoes on a flat surface.

Ideal shoes:

• Shoes with heel cushioning
• Cushioning on the running shoe’s outside section to counter whenever the foot rolls outwardly
• Midsole cushioning as a good shock absorber
• Shoes with flexibility to distribute impact evenly

Summary

The feet is an intricate structure that can surprisingly work for decades, sustaining itself with utmost resilience. That is just one of the many other important reasons why you should take care of your feet. You can start by wearing well-cushioned, roomy shoes that offer great support.

Knowing how many bones are in the foot is indeed an eye-opener to people who haven’t known this fact for long. The feet may just be a small part of the body as a whole but it actually houses 52 bones and hundreds of tendons, ligaments, and muscles that work in coalesce to do their part of our anatomy.

Maintaining your feet is not as easy as maintaining your face. A lot of people would agree that the feet are the most neglected part of the human body. As a result, we tend to have a rough and dry surface around the sole area. Learning how to make your feet soft is an important knowledge you can incorporate into your regular beauty regimen.

Your feet also need pampering especially in times where you want to flaunt it. However, what if your feet are not as crowd bragging as you want them to be?

Seasons such as spring and summer give us the opportunity to expose our feet without being frostbitten. These are the perfect seasons to wear sandals or flip-flops; and also the refreshing chance for your feet to breathe out. But who wants to expose dry and cracked heels in public?

Here are some important tips for making your feet soft:

First step: Soak your feet in warm water

This one’s a quick solution to your problem. Treat your feet to a little warm soak. Through a soothing sensation, warm water is a great way to achieve a feeling of contentment. It’s ideal to take a bath first before doing these steps. Also, it’s best to do this before bedtime.

1. Steps

1. After taking a bath get yourself a small basin that fits perfectly on your feet.
2. Fill that basin with warm water over the shower about halfway through it.
3. This part is optional but it is worth the try. Just simply prepare one glass of fresh milk and a cup of olive oil.

The mixture may vary but this one is more recommended. You can also use a coconut oil plus your regular shower gel. The mixture above contains olive oil and milk – both have powerful properties that moisturize your feet.

2. Why do we need to soak?

Soaking is an essential step to exfoliating. It may drain the water on your feet but the olive oil will effectively compensate for it. Soaking will soften the dead skin so you can easily remove it later. Otherwise, it will too hard and painful to remove the dead skin or calluses.

Second step: Exfoliate your feet

This is a lifesaver method that will make you save your bucks – no need for spas. Exfoliating will remove the softened dry skin that you attained from soaking it. There are a few things you need to have before exfoliating.

• Clean Rag – The clean rag will serve as a hygienic place where your feet can rest while you exfoliate the other pair.
• Clean Towel – You will use the clean towel after exfoliating. It’s ideal to have a cotton-textured one for this job. You will use this to dry your feet after cleaning up.
• Pumice stone – A foamed lava that effectively helps in removing your dry skin. It’s optional to get a pumice stone because you can create your own exfoliating material. For instance, you can mix olive oil and sugar.

Exfoliating is a process you can do in coalesce with soaking your feet because they basically have similar steps.

1. Fill a basin or small foot spa tub with warm water. You can make it as hot as you want but it’s better to work with something you are comfortable with.
2. Add one cup of milk for every six cups of water added into the tub or basin.
3. Now soak your feet for about 20 minutes. The milk is rich in properties that soften the skin.
4. Using a soft towel, pat your feet dry.
5. Now grab your scrub and work on your feet. The scrub will loosen and get rid of your dead skin.
6. Use a circular motion in scrubbing your skin.
7. Put more attention to rough spots especially on the big toes and the heels.
8. More details on scrubbing are tackled in the next step.

Third step: Scrub your feet

If you do not have a pumice stone and still want to exfoliate, another way is to create your own feet scrub.

1. You will need these things

• A container or a little glass jar
• ½ cup of olive oil
• 4 tablespoons of sugar

Mixing is quite simple, just mix the sugar and the olive oil inside the container, and voila! You already have your own scrub. You can also use lemon juice as a substitute for olive oil. Use the same procedure and you will have the perfect scrub for exfoliating.

There is no guaranteed that making your own scrub is better than an actual pumice stone. The latter is best for removing calluses. But scrubs can also work wonders. The roughness caused by the sugar helps in removing dead skin while the olive oil or lemon replenishes the dried part of the skin surface.

2. Here are also some tips for exfoliating or scrubbing

• Do not scrub too hard as it can cause rashes or worse, cause wounds and injury.
• Only apply medium pressure upon scrubbing.
• Concentrate on areas you believe is cracked or damaged.
• If you have an open wound, refrain from soaking or exfoliating because it can worsen the pain or infect you.
• Clean the pumice stone before you use it.
• Dry your feet thoroughly after scrubbing the dead skins away.

Fourth step: Moisturize your feet

Exfoliation dries up your surface skin and the soaking dehydrates your feet to soften the calluses. A good moisturizer will prevent you from getting rashes. For instance, dry feet may need a cream to replenish it. Here’s how to moisturize feet after exfoliating it:

1. Dry your feet thoroughly.
2. Do NOT leave any damp areas.
3. Make sure the part between your toes is dried up to prevent infection and further problems.
4. Regardless of what moisturizer you choose, apply it circularly in such a way similar to massaging your feet.

1. Ideal moisturizers to have

Depending on your level of sensitivity, moisturizers can also irritate your skin. So choosing a product is a crucial step.

2. Lotion

It’s the ideal way to moisturize your feet every day. The trick is to consistently use the same product to spare yourself from allergies.

3. Petroleum jelly

This one is a common how-to solution for all. The jelly is a great way to treat your feet after exfoliating. The stickiness will soothe deeply into your skin. It stays on your feet and is not easily removed.

4. Foot cream

Dermatologists recommend this one. The good thing about foot cream is they are specifically designed for feet only and they are clinically proven.

5. Coconut oil

A lot of people believed in the effectiveness of coconut oil, and it’s not a myth. Matter of fact, a lot of conditioning products are made from coconut oil. Applying raw coconut oil to your skin a sure-fire way to moisturize it.

Dry skin can lead to rashes and infection. Removing the hard skin also means you are getting rid of a certain layer of your skin, making the cells in that area vulnerable to feet infection.

Fifth step: Put some socks on

After creaming your feet, you may want the replenishing element to last longer. After soaking, exfoliating, and moisturizing your feet, the last step to complete the process is putting some socks on.

The conditioner needs to stay longer on your feet for it to function quite well. Putting a sock overnight is the most effective way to keep your feet soft and fresh looking the next morning.

1. What kind of socks to use?

You need good and clean socks to pamper your feet. The socks must be ankle high and thick enough.

2. Why put socks?

After doing all the steps above, you will leave your feet damp and can easily capture dirt. Putting socks on will safeguard you against potential dirt accumulation that can possibly take the spot of the removed dry skin.

3. Benefits of putting a sock on

Socks help lockdown nutrients from the moisturizer making it more effective and long-lasting. If the moisturizer you applied is easily dried, there is no assurance the skin will absorb the necessary nutrients from your moisturizer.

Putting socks on is a great way to lock the elements down on the skin and to assure you are on the right track.

Why do we need to pamper our feet?

Our feet have the least oil glands in our body making it vulnerable to skin rashes, athlete’s foot, and similar infection. If our feet dry up to it tend to feel more uncomfortable, itchy and painful. It may cause rashes. Skin rashes are the effect of having fried feet that your toes or your shoe side are constantly rubbed in each other. The friction of two dry material can cause rashes upon the movement between your skin and the shoe. To prevent this foot needs pampering too. Keeping it healthy will naturalize the moisture of your feet needs to avoid further damage.

What causes my feet to dry?

A frequent exposure of your feet under the sun or a choice of the wrong footwear is the cause. The heat from the sun will dehydrate your skin making your dry skin drier. The cells can’t repel latter heat that it causes dead skin. The calluses are the effect of the wrong choice of footwear. The soles are the most damaged part of wearing uncomfortable shoes. Below are footwears that most likely can give you calluses from constant use.

1. Sneakers

Footwear like this one does not have any material that protects your sole. The tight fore feet feature gives too much pressure that will cause rashes if you do not wear socks. I am not saying you do not use sneakers but keep in mind to wear shoes that fit you perfectly.

2. High heels

Girls are most fond of wearing high heels even though it means they will hurt their feet and toes later. In the name of glam, they are willing to take any risk. Dead pinky at toes are so common and sole calluses are easily molded. If you are a woman who loves to wear high heels it is recommended to minimize the usage and let your feet take some rest.

3. Sandals and flip-flops

Flip-flops are not always good or comfortable. The structure that this footwear has leaves your feet so open that it easily catches dirt and is exposed from a different environment. Also, sandals do not have any protection, especially in the sole area that it may cause cracks on your heels and makes your feet dry. After a long day wearing this footwear make sure to wash your feet and moisture it after a bath.

By gaining information about your feet. You do not have a reason to neglect it anymore or ever forget to give it a little bit of attention.

Do not forget the soak-exfoliate and moisture method which is believed to be a total life-saver.

Tips to make your feet soft

1. Remember to exfoliate your feet once or twice a week for constant scrubbing might lead to thin and less healthy feet.
2. Exfoliate as much as you think you need to but do NOT do it every day.
3. Exfoliate by how much work your feet did and whenever it needs some rescue.
4. Pick the right footwear. As much as possible, refrain from using footwear that promotes damage to your feet. The list is already evaluated above.
5. Do NOT soak for more than an hour. It will run your skin and will make exfoliation more difficult.
6. Constantly rehydrate your skin.

Summary

These tips come as helpful to you and to everyone else. The steps above work wonders and are simply effective. Truly, learning how to make your feet soft is a big step in making your feet something that you will be ashamed of. Now you can hurl your feet in the bed with your partner without any worries. You can now also flaunt your feet while wearing sandals without having to worry about people noticing your cracked heels.

Today, we have something of a mixed bag for you…

 We started out thinking about making shoes and decided that inkeeping with this theme it would be a good opportunity to look briefly at shoe alteration and shoe care.

If you have always wondered how to make shoes and fancy some easy, actionable tips, read on…

Making shoes

Making your own shoes needn't be intimidating. Don't get us wrong, it's not something a complete amateur can steam into without any planning or some degree of practical skill, but it's not that hard either.

We'll walk you through just the very basics of making shoes today. It would need far more space than we have here to cover everything in such an expansive artform. What we can do, though, is inspire your confidence and get you started learning how to make your own shoes from scratch.

How to make your own shoes from scratch

With fashion moving so rapidly from the catwalk to the high street these days, finding truly original clothing or footwear gets harder and harder.

Buying custom-made gear is so expensive that it's out of the range of the vast majority. Bespoke shoes, for example, run deep into four figures so it's not something most people can comfortably consider.

So how about spending the time and learning how to make your own shoes from scratch?

Obviously, you'll need to have some kind of artistic streak and an interest in making things by hand or it will be a recipe for disaster. If you feel up to the challenge, why not give it a go?

This is absolutely not a complete step-by-step guide to making shoes. There are far too many variables and shoemaking is a craft that takes a lifetime to master.

• Preparation
• Design
• Materials
• Making a Last
• Pattern
• Assembly
• Cleaning

Preparation

Fail to plan, plan to fail. 

Nowhere is there truer than if you're planning to make some shoes from scratch. It's certainly not an undertaking to just launch into headlong.

Before anything else at all, you'll need to double down on what kind of shoes you want to make. Do you fancy some sneakers or sandals? How about some heels for that special occasion? Nobody but you can decide what type of shoes you'd like. Imagination is your only limitation.

Try grabbing a sketchpad and drawing a few designs. Often scribbling away can get the creative juices flowing and you'll be able to generate some ideas pretty quickly.

Unless you're already pretty adept at shoemaking, keeping it simple is key. Don't set yourself up for failure by planning an intricate pair of boots if you've never tried your hand at shoemaking before.

Once you have the shoe style clear in your mind, it's time to think about the design…

Design

Clearly, making a pair of shoes is not something to do on the hoof. You'll need a design in place to work from.

If you don't like the thought of designing something from scratch, you can easily find shoe templates online.

We'd strongly recommend taking the time and trouble to properly research templates and to take this option unless you're highly experienced and confident of producing something workable freeform.

Materials

We can't produce a definitive list of what you'll need to make your own shoes since so much depends on the style you opt for.

Here, though, are some general pointers… 

• Sheets of leather
• Fabric
• Rubber
• Sewing kit
• Cork

As a rule of thumb, buy twice as much as you think you'll need of any material to allow for wastage.

As well as these basics, it's a smart move to forage for parts from your old shoes.

Making a last

Central to the art of shoemaking is the last. This foot-shaped block is used by shoemakers the world over to guide them as they beaver away on new creations.

While making a last is shrouded in secrecy – in this article, the author claims that making a last is seldom taught by shoemakers – it's actually not so tough.

Firstly, you'll need some alginate jelly.

Fill up a box with this material, pop both feet in and allow the jelly to firm up around your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove your feet with extreme care.

Making a foot cast

Pour some casting material into the mold you made of your feet.

Allow enough time for this to solidify properly. It may take anywhere from an hour to the entire night so follow instructions on the package and be prepared to wait it out.

Pattern

With your last solidified and the pattern in place, it's time to really get the show on the road…

What your need

• Shoe last
• Masking tape
• Craft knife
• Pens and pencils
• Ruler
• Stiff paper

What to do

• Tape up your last. Layer the masking tape in two directions. This will ensure the pattern stays in one piece. Make sure the layers of tape are smoothly laid on so you can draw on the surface without struggling
• Mark your shoe pattern onto the taped-up last. Use your ruler to lay down the center line and with this in place, it's time to draw the rest of the pattern…
• Get to work drawing the pattern on. If you make a mistake, just add some more tape so don't be afraid of getting creative and making any last minute changes
• Now the design is executed, it's time to peel it off the last. Use a sharp blade to cut down the center lines of the heel and toe. Cut the tape at the bottom edge. Peel it off so you end up with a flattened out pattern
• Trim down this shell pattern and you can now redraw your pattern on the computer using your chosen software

Keep the last as you'll be able to use this again. And again! Don't let all that hard work go to waste.

With everything in place it's time to put your shoes together…

Assembly

Assembly, as with all stages of making shoes, varies depending on what you're making.

Here are some general guidelines so you can get a flavor of the process…

• Using your pattern, cut out pieces of leather or fabric with a sharp knife. Make sure to leave an inch or so at the bottom edge and also where the uppers join to make provision for your seams.
• You now need to stitch the pieces together. It's absolutely key that you practice so you can stitch with precision. Take your time with this stage as poor workmanship here will completely spoil the end result. Fabric will be super-simple to stich but you'll need to put in some effort learning how to stitch leather effectively. Practice on some scrap material rather than expecting to dive in and pull it off with your shoes first time.
• You'll need to take care of the eyelets next. These are the holes where your laces go. You can try making these with a scalpel or buy a specialty eyelet tool if your budget is more fluid
• It's best to start off by using a pre-existing sole from some old shoes. If not, make your soles using your last as a guide and some cork as your material. Glue more than one layer together if you want a super-padded sole.
• Stitch and glue all the remaining pieces of your shoes together and you're good to go with shoes nobody else in the room will have!

Cleaning

Use a sealant spray to ensure your shoes are nicely waterproofed. Overlook this finishing touch and you risk spoiling all your hard work

Verdict

This has by definition only been a cursory overview of how to make shoes rather than a blow-by-blow guide. All we intended to do was whet your appetite and show you just how easy it can be to get started even it mastering the craft is an ongoing effort.

We'll take a look now at making some other types of shoes before moving on to shoe alteration and general shoe care…

How to make doll shoes

As with making other kinds of shoes, if you want to kit your doll out in the latest style without needing to buy shoes from a toy store, you can make your own without undue hassle.

Again, this will be a basic snapshot rather than a detailed strategy since there are too many variables at play to offer up precise instructions good for all needs.

• Style: Whether you want to craft a simple pair of slippers or some sandals, as with making shoes above, it's sound practice to start off with a simple design and work from there as your skill increases. For the purposes of this brief glance at how to make doll shoes, we'll take the classic Mary Jane style
• Supplies: Depending on your chosen material, buy some leather or faux-leather. You could opt for a heavy fabric if you prefer. You'll also need some decent embroidery thread. Additionally, pick up some PVA glue, stiff card, paper, pens, pencils and craft foam sheets
• Sole Pattern: Making a sole pattern is a breeze. Trace the shape of the feet of your doll onto some card and cut it out. Be sure to make a separate pattern for each foot
• Upper Pattern: Cut a semicircle from some thinner paper, push it against the sole of your doll's foot and mark off the line using a pencil. Trim and check for accuracy against the food. Repeat for the other foot
• Seam Allowance: When you're making a pattern for the upper part of your shoes, make sure to leave a seam allowance so there's enough leeway when you attach the sole to the upper
• Use Your Material: Making use of your patterns, cut out the pieces of the shoes from your chosen material and glue them together and trim away any excess
• Decorate: Use ribbons, beads or anything else from your craft box to impart those finishing touches

How to make elf shoes

If your kid is at the dressing up stage or perhaps has a competition at school, find out here how to make elf shoes!

What you need

• Needle
• Thread
• Scissor
• Felted blanket
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Fabric paint
• Sewing machine
• Paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Crochet needle
• Yarn

How to make elf shoes

• Making Pattern: Here are some great elf shoe pattern templates. You can create the sole by tracing around your child's foot. Make sure to leave plenty of room with the pattern since you'll be using thick felt
• Cutting Pattern: To make your elf shoes, you'll need 4 soles and 8 sides for each pair.
• Sew and Pin: You first need to pin your pieces together. You must remember to have the wrong side on the outside. Next, sew up the top front seam then sew the toe seam followed by the heel seam. Finish by sewing up the liner heel
• The Sole: Pin the sides to the sole making sure the seams remain centered
• Putting it all Together: Sew the sole to the sides then sew your way around the open top of your elf shoes
• Turn Inside Out: Gently turn your shoes inside out
• Finishing Touches: Decorate with crochet, beading or anything else that takes your fancy

As with the previous guides to shoe making, this study of how to make elf shoes assumes a degree of expertise and familiarity with sewing machines so don't expect to follow these instructions blind if you're just starting out.

How to make LED shoes

LED shoes that light up can be expensive but there's a good reason for that…

There's a fair bit of technology that goes into making them and you obviously need to pay for that research and development.

Unlike with the shoes outlined above, there's not really a quick and easy way we can give you an overview so we will refer you to this detailed guide on how to make LED shoes.

You'll need to be pretty tech-savvy and, in our opinion, it's well worth buying some LED shoes instead. You can see some cheap LED shoes here.

OK…

Now we've given you a good grounding in how to make shoes, it's time to take a quick look at shoe alteration.

Shoe alteration

Sometimes, it's extremely hard to find shoes that fit just right.

Here are some simple hacks for making shoes smaller, bigger and wider…

How to make shoes smaller

• Insoles: Start off by popping an insole inside each shoe (or inside one if you have one foot larger than the other). Thick foam insoles work best. With some insoles, you'll need to cut them down to size but most are pre-cut

• Pads: Put a foam heel pad in the back of each shoe
• More Pads: Add more of these pads in a stack until your shoes feel snug but not too tight

How to make shoes bigger or wider

• Hairdryer: Put on two pairs of thick socks to stretch out your shoes then use a hairdryer for 30 seconds to help loosen the leather. This is a surprisingly effective method which costs nothing and takes almost no time at all!
• Freezer: Fill 1/3 of a Ziploc plastic bag with water. Put the bag inside your shoe making sure it goes right down into the toe section. Pop the shoes inside the freezer until the water turns to ice and expands your shoes. This neat hack can stretch your shoes considerably
• Shoe Stretcher: If you don't like the idea of those homemade hacks, try buying a shoe stretcher. These strange looking contraptions are not particularly expensive and are well worth the investment

To round out today, we'll look at some more easily employable tips to help you make your shoes waterproof, slip-resistant and whiter than white…

Shoe care

If you have always wondered how to make your shoes waterproof, slip-resistant or white when they are soiled, read on…

How to make shoes waterproof

• Waterproof Spray: If you don't mind spending a few bucks, there are dedicated waterproof sprays available for most materials of shoes. If you have suede shoes, this is the only effective method you can press into commission without damaging your shoes
• Silicone: Silicone sprays are multi-purpose so if you have shoes in an array of materials and want a catch-all solution to waterproofing them, roll with a silicone spray
• Beeswax: If you want to know how to waterproof canvas shoes, beeswax could be just what you've been looking for. Work a covering over your shoes until it's visible all over the surface. Use a hairdryer so the beeswax works fully into the fabric and is no longer visible and enjoy waterproof canvas shoes without spending a fortune

How to make shoes slip-resistant

• Scuff Up The Soles: This should be your first port of call if you want to avoid taking a tumble on slippery soles. Scrape up the soles against an abrasive surface and see if you gain more traction
• Use Some Hairspray: As a temporary fix that needs reapplying daily, a quick blast of hairspray can work wonders in the quest to make shoes slip-resistant
• Get Some Traction Spray: A slightly more expensive solution is to buy some dedicated traction spray so you can stay firmly on your feet at all times
• Coat With Salt and Rubber Glue: Use some rubber glue combined with salt which should make your soles non-slip without costing the earth

How to make white shoes white again

• Washing Machine: The old favorite, popping your soiled white sneakers in the washing machine is a surefire way to restore them rapidly to their former glory. Put them inside a pillowcase or wrap them in a towel. If the stains are ingrained, use a stain remover first, let it sit for 10 minutes then slip the sneakers into the washing machine
• Toothpaste: If you have some white, non-gel toothpaste, you can apply this to any rogue dirt on your white shoes to surprising effect. Allow it to remain there for 10 to 15 minutes then wipe down with a damp towel
• Diluted Bleach: You need to be very careful here but watered down bleach can be a highly efficient approach to dealing with really stubborn stains on your white shoes. Make sure you wear some rubber gloves and use a toothbrush to apply the diluted bleach directly onto the affected area

Wrap-up

We trust you've found some inspiration and help in this bumper guide on how to make shoes, alter them and care for them.

Drop us a line any time if you have any queries or feedback. We want to give you exactly what you want here on the site and we're very responsive to suggestions. We'll get back to you promptly and we're always happy to help in any way we can.

Come back soon!

Crooked toes could happen all the time. This is usually caused by wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes. By wearing this kind of shoes, the ligaments in your toes and tendons will start to warp. The sight of crooked toes is scary especially when it starts to get painful. Particularly, the big toe can develop a bunion. Learning how to make your toes straight leads you to an imperative knowledge you can use to treat the condition.

There are many non-surgical ways to treat a crooked toe. Of course, this will depend on how severe the toes could get but the treatments introduced here will be helpful enough to fix the early stages of that condition. Another possible option would be visiting your nearest doctor but as long as you believe it will be cured then there’s no harm in trying the following.

How to straighten crooked toes

These non-surgical ways will help you treat your crooked toes. If you have that crooked toe for quite some time then urgent action is required.

1. Medication

Over the counter medications are great way to ease the pain caused by crooked toes. However, you need to check a physician first if it’s okay to use these medications. Be sure to follow instructions as well to be more cautious about your health. Medications like acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen are recommended for the pain.

2. Toe supports

Another way to relieve the pain is through toe-supports. This will make you comfortable since it will support the toes. You can try using arch supports, moleskin, toe tubes, or orthotic inserts. There are a lot of toe-support products available nowadays, thus choose the kind that suits your toe best.

3. Change footwear

Changing your footwear will be the best thing you could do for your toes. Majority of people having crooked toes are women who wear narrower shoes and high heels. So to prevent further damage to your toes then you might want to consider changing your footwear. Choose shoes that are spacious for your toes. It is recommended to use the kind of shoes that have ½ inch space from your big toe up to the smaller toe. Also, choose shoes that allow your toes to wiggle while wearing it.

Athletic shoes and sandals are must-haves as well. These will give your toes much space and enough comfort. This will stop pain as well. Further, there are custom-made shoes available nowadays, these will be made according to the size and comfort of your feet.

4. Splint your toes

Get a splint for your toes. To realign the joint around your toes tape a plastic or a metal splint. These will reduce the pain depending on the joint damage but there are arch supports and orthotics that could be a great help also. These arch supports and orthotics will correct the balance and distribute the weight on your toes. Before getting a splint, massage it carefully first and have foot baths.

5. Crooked Toes Instrument

Toe spacing products are a great help as well. These can be worn inside your shoes to help realign the toes. Moreover, it will also increase the stability of your foot. It will strengthen the muscles and tendons around as well.

6. Realign Dislocations

A specialist could realign your toe manually. You can visit a podiatrist or chiropractor to realign your toes. These will prevent further damage to the toes. It will also avoid surgery and straighten the toes.

Exercises to make toes straight

These are the exercises you can do to straighten the toes and to prevent it. Do this exercise 10 minutes a day. Toes need proper care as well and by doing this exercises you can have straight and sore free toes.

1. Toe Flexing

Begin by putting your barefoot on the floor and flex it upward one by one. Start on your big toe up to the smaller one, right and left, then repeat it again for the toes to be flexible. This will be a stretching for your toes.

2. Toe pulling

Pull your toes one by one for it to stretch fully. Do this just like how you do it with your hands and there’s a click sound accompanied by it. This exercise will realign your toes. Again, repeatedly do this to avoid crooked toes.

3. Toe picking

Another wonderful exercise for your toes is by picking something on the floor. Do this while you are sitting or standing, then drop a thing that your toes can pick up. By doing this, your toe muscles will strengthen and it will help loosen the joints around your toes. Effectively, it will straighten your toes. Thus, whenever you drop something, have your toes pick it for you.

3. Toe massage

This is a form of exercise for your toes. Hold it one by one then make it move in a circular way. You could also use your fingers and do little massages for the joints and ligaments. Do this daily. After work when you are no longer wearing a shoe.

Types of crooked toes

Nobody wants a crooked toe, its unpleasant sight when you have one. Conveniently, this can be treated by following ways above. Also, to provide further information, there are different kinds of crooked toes that you want to know to help you and how to properly fix it.

1. Hammertoe

Hammertoe is the kind of crooked toe that warps the first toe joint. Your toes will become rigid if it’s not taken care immediately. This looks like a hammer that is why it is called a hammer toe.

To fix a hammer toe. Ditch your heels and use athletic shoes, use splints and supports on your toes and do the toe exercise every day. When it is severe, do the stretching multiple times to straighten your toes. Surgical methods could also be applied when it cannot be fixed through non-surgical ways.

2. Claw toe

Claw toe is the kind of crooked toe that warps not just the first but also the second toe joint. These will create calluses that are painful along the way. When it is taken for granted the toes will deform and could get worse as the time passes.

Fix your claw toe by avoiding small shoes instead use the bigger and the wider ones. This kind of crooked toes can be fixed by surgical methods but when the toe problem is not severe, do the exercises and stretching for your toes. In addition, you could also try walking using your toes, but don’t do this when it is painful.

3. Mallet toe

When your toe is warp at the last toe joint then it is a mallet toe. To fix this mallet toe use that is wider. Habitually, give your toes some exercise. Given methods on how to heal hammer and claw toe can also be used in the mallet toe.

4. Adductovarus toe

This is the crooked toe that already moves under the other toe. It is common to the fourth and last toes. Use open sandals for a while and then consult a podiatrist to help you in this condition.

5. Overlapping toe

Unlike adductovarus toe, this crooked toe already overlaps the other toe. It lies on top of the other toe that may painful and reddish toes. When you have this condition, consult the nearest podiatrist right away.

Signs and causes of crooked toes

1. Signs of crooked toes

Here are the common signs that you have crooked toes. Be watchful of these signs to avoid further damage:

• The sure sign of crooked toes is the pain you're feeling around your toes. This is hard to ignore since it is uncomfortable to walk with these pain
• There will be an obvious inflammation and redness on your toes. When this happens, stop using your narrow shoe for a while and try wearing athletic shoes.
• When your toe starts to irritate while you are wearing a shoe.
• The skin around your toes starts to thicken
• There will be shortening of your toes. It might start to warp and quite painful when you try to straighten it.

2. causes of crooked toes

• When your shoes are too fit for your feet. Also, those narrow toe shoes and high heels are the major causes of a crooked toe.
• Foot traumas, these are accidents or injury happened to your feet that involves your toe. It could also be intentional like soccer that involves using your foot.
• Genetics could also play a role in your crooked toes. Crooked toes might runs in the family so better be careful.
• Arthritis is a cause for crooked toes too.

When to vist a foot specialist

When the condition of your toes starts to get very alarming then you need to visit a foot doctor. Go immediately when you have one or more crooked toes. Also, do this when you couldn’t take the pain and the inflammation anymore. Further action is required since it will ruin your work or your other activities. A podiatrist will provide you right information since they specialize in foot problems. They will also suggest suitable shoes for you.

A podiatrist will decide whether the toes need surgery or not. Other sources of information could be the physical therapist, chiropractors, and naturopaths.

Correcting your toes can also be provided by an orthopedist, they specialize in joints. And your toes can be corrected using braces, splints or a surgery. These will be a great help since they will prescribe you medications (Painkillers). They will also identify the diagnosis if it’s arthritis or caused by diabetes.

Xrays, bone scan, MRI and diagnostic ultrasound will be done on your crooked toes. Of course, this will cost you but as long as it will not hinder your walks anymore then don’t hesitate and give yourself freedom from crooked toes.

Surgical ways to straighten toes

When the doctor decided that you should undergo a surgery, then be at ease cause this will stop the pain from your crooked toes. By doing the surgery, the doctor can move the tendons to release the tensions from the joint. When the problem is too severe then the doctor will do something about the bones. The doctor will shave or break it in order to set it straight. The doctor will use pins and wires to hold the bone while you are still in the process of healing.

In case of damaged joints, the doctor might need to remove it. But, other options could be done as well. These are fusing the joints and replacing it with artificial ones. After the surgery, it is recommended not to use tight shoes and heels again to prevent having crooked toes again. Take the time to heal and afterward give proper care to your foot to avoid additional problems.

Dislocations

Dislocations are caused by accidents and injuries happened in the past. These are called foot traumas. It is painful and looked misaligned. To treat dislocations you need to consult your podiatrist or chiropractors to straighten your toes. You will undergo a treatment for the injury and for the pain to stop.

Conclusion

Who would have expected that a toe could give you a problem as well? This is just a tiny part of the body but it can still give you a significant pain. You have no choice but to deal with it and while you are experiencing it don’t forget the lesson it will give you along the way. That even the tiniest part of your body needs care and when it comes to health, it should not be taken for granted.

When your toes get straight and healed, it’s important to prevent the causes of crooked toes. Apply the following ways above and don’t forget that a right shoe can prevent you from thousands of problems along the way. Exercise all the time and include your tiny toes. Ditch all the heels in your house and give your feet the freedom from crooked feet.

Now that you know how to make your toes straight, it’s time to apply the knowledge you have learned and incorporate it into your regular lifestyle.