If you have ever felt pain or discomfort in the base of your toe, especially when walking or standing for long periods, this may not be a trivial issue. One of the common causes of pain in the base of the toe is flat feet, which can cause abnormal weight distribution and increase direct pressure on the base of the toe.
Other conditions that may occur alongside flat feet and cause pain at the base of the toe:
Bunion – Common in individuals with flat feet due to misaligned bones, which cause the big toe to shift sideways, increasing pressure on the base of the toe.
Metatarsalgia – Abnormal pressure from flat feet can lead to inflammation of the bones in the foot, causing a burning pain at the base of the toe.
Hammer Toe – Flat feet can cause the muscles and tendons of the toes to become imbalanced, leading to a deformity in the toes that results in increased pressure on the base of the toe.
Arthritis from flat feet – Flat feet force the joints and bones to absorb unnatural pressure, which may lead to arthritis in the toe joints and cause chronic pain.
How to relieve pain at the base of the toe for people with flat feet:
- Stretch and exercise foot muscles – Practice stretching the muscles of the foot and toes.
- Avoid prolonged standing or walking – If standing or walking for long periods, take breaks and use cushioning that reduces pressure.
- Hot-cold compress to reduce inflammation – Apply cold compress when experiencing severe pain, and use heat to help relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
- Choose appropriate shoes – Select shoes with good arch support and avoid flat shoes or those that squeeze the toes.
- Use custom orthotic insoles for flat feet – Orthotics help balance the foot structure, reduce pressure on the toes, and make walking more comfortable.
Relieve pain at the base of the toe with custom orthotics!
If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain at the base of the toe, custom orthotics can help balance your feet, reduce pressure on the toes, and improve your walking comfort. Don’t let flat feet become a long-term health issue—start taking care of your feet today! For those interested in custom orthotics for flat feet or health insoles, you can inquire for more information or consult with Physical Balance Solution (PBS) to treat flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and foot pain without surgery at seven locations near you in Navamin, Pinklao, Bangkae, Watcharaphon, Bangna, Khon Kaen, and a new branch in Songkhla (Hat Yai), or online.