Second Toe Longer Than Big Toe

There are many great qualities handed down through genetics. There is little you can do to change these qualities. One of these traits is the second toe longer than big toe.

About 20% - 30% of the population shares this quality, and many of them have the same questions. One of the biggest concerns is the possibility that it can cause chronic pain. You no longer have to suffer alone; below you will uncover ways you can relieve the pain.

Second Toe Longer Than Big Toe, Is It Normal?

In the 1930s, foot doctor Dr. Dudley Morton gave a name to the trait of second toe longer than big toe. It is commonly called Morton's Toe (or Morton's Foot Syndrome).

Although it may appear that your second toe is longer, the bone itself isn't longer. It is the length of the metatarsal foot bones which makes the second toe appear longer. The first metatarsal is actually short compared to the second metatarsal.

You can determine whether or not you have this condition by looking at your foot; it is clearly visible. The space between your big toe and second toe will be deeper than that of the space between your second and third toes.

Is It a Serious Condition?

Having the second toe longer than big toe is actually quite common. It is so common that the statue of liberty's feet were created that way (with a Greek foot, another name for Morton's Toe).

Although it is common, it is not necessarily pain free. This feature can cause many musculoskeletal problems beginning at the feet and ending at the neck. Your whole body is impacted due to changes in posture and how you walk.

Some of the pain you may experience in your feet, lower extremities, back, and neck may include:

• Ball of foot pain
• Morton's neuroma
• Stress fractures
• Calluses, bunions, and planter's warts
• Hammer, claw, or mallet toes
• Weak ankles or ankle pain
• Shin splints
• Tight and tired calf muscles
• Knee pain
• Sciatica pain
• Arthritis
• Scoliosis & Kyphosis
• Joint pain
• Lower back pain
• Upper back pain
• Neck pain

Are There Any Ways to Deal With That?

Most foot problems are genetic, including second toe longer than big toe. There is not a specific cure for the deformity; however there are many things you can do to help alleviate the pain.

Make a Pad

The simplest thing you can do is creating a small pad for your foot that is the diameter and depth of a half dollar coin. Cut this out of an insole and tape to the base of the first metatarsal bone. You can even create a full insole and patch for a more permanent solution.

Do Some Massage

Massage therapy, known as Trigger Point Therapy is the next best thing you can do. This will use Swedish massage, acupressure, neuromuscular techniques, and reflexology to help relieve pain through the following trigger points:

• Gluteus Medius
• Tibialis Posterior
• Tensor Fasciae Latae
• Flexor Hallucis Brevis
• Peroneus Longus
• Quadriceps
• Adductor Longus

What Do Your Feet Say About You?

The old saying, "The eyes are the window to the soul," may hold true for many, but looking at one's feet will tell all. Apart from second toe longer than big toe, your toes have many other traits that can possibly tell something about your personality.

Big Toe

• You are clever and creative in your thinking if your big toe is longer than your other toes.
• You are great at multi-tasking if your big toe is comparatively small compared to the others.

Second Toe

• You are a dynamic and resourceful leader if you have a longer second toe.
• You will push through and try to bulldoze your way through situations if you have smaller second toe.

Third Toe

• You are highly energetic and resourceful, especially at work, if your third toe is comparatively long.
• You have a mild temperament, love to relax, and enjoy life's pleasures if it's relatively short.

Fourth Toe

• Family is extremely important if your fourth toe is straight and long. You are also great at listening and nurturing others while being deeply affected by unhappiness in your family. It is also difficult for you to keep away from the problems of others.
• If it's shorter, your focus is on other things rather than family.

Little Toe

• If you have a small little toe, then you are full of childlike impishness. You try to avoid responsibility, get bored, and are always looking for entertaining diversions. You are very sociable and are fun to be around, but you tend to find a lot of trouble.
• You are impulsive, adventurous, and charming if you can wiggle your little toe separate from your fourth toe.
• You prefer routine, predictability, and loyalty if you cannot wiggle it separately.