Overlapping toes, also known as crossover toes, do not always require surgery to be managed effectively—in fact, as with many other foot and ankle conditions, we consider surgery only as a last resort, when conservative options have been insufficient.

The bad news is that, because the condition is progressive, once toes have started to drift out of alignment, they usually don’t go back to “normal” without surgical intervention. However, if you seek treatment at the first sign of trouble, when symptoms are relatively mild and the joints are still flexible, mild measures may be more than sufficient to stop progression, maintain your mobility, and relieve pain. Such treatments may include modified footwear, toe stretches and exercise, tools such as orthotics or toes spaces, or other techniques.

If you notice drifting toes, don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable. Contact Dr. Mark Gasparini in Massapequa, NY today. You can fill out our online contact form or give our office a call at 516-804-9038 for an appointment.