Is it possible to cross your toes

It's a result of abnormal foot mechanics, where the ball of the foot beneath the second toe joint takes an excessive amount of weight bearing pressure. This pressure eventually leads to a weakening of the ligaments and a failure of the joint to stabilize the toe, which results in the toe crossing over. Crossover toe is frequently seen with bunions , a longer second toe than big toe, an unstable arch, or a tight calf muscle.

Overlapping toes are a deformity of the toes, characterized by one toe lying on top of an adjacent toe. The fifth toe smallest is the most commonly affected, but it also appears in the second toe.

Overlapping toes most commonly appear in newborns, and is thought to develop in the womb, possibly due to the position of the fetus. Passive stretching and adhesive taping is most commonly used to correct overlapping toes in infants, but the deformity usually recurs.

Surgical correction can be performed by releasing the tendon and soft tissues about the joint at the base of the fifth toe. In some extreme cases, a pin may be surgically inserted to hold the toe in a straightened position. Light pressure? General ticklishness of the sole? Maybe the kid or parent can see if a foot massage, for example, works the same or better. Then again, why fix what ain't broke LukeSawczak - It's a sensory thing.

To them, it feels mildly interesting or good, the reward is immediate, and it becomes a habit. Not all self-soothing is harmful or indicative of abnormal levels of anxiety. One of my kids began religiously biting their nails at 8 months, but didn't know to remove the product from his mouth, so would crawl over to me to take it. Foot massage sounds wonderful and worth trying, but it's unlikely to stop the habit once it takes.

Ashley Ashley 1. Your doctor's comment is alarming. I would imagine a pediatrician or family physician would refer this to an orthopedist for a definitive opinion if the shape of the foot was affected rather than offer this observation. If the doctor is mistaken - i. If there is no pain or functional impairment, surgery is unnecessary and even dangerous.

Featured on Meta. Now live: A fully responsive profile. Related 7. Hot Network Questions. Question feed. Parenting Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled. I can do it. I can now. I have arthritis in both big toes so I'm not even trying!

You made my day! I read your post and started laughing. Have a great new year. I can on one foot, but the other I can't since my bunion surgery.

Yep, I can cross my big toe to my littler toe with both feet and I can on my right foot cross the littler toe with my big toe; but I can not do that with my left foot. My aunt used to tease me about always sitting around with my toes crossed.

I can cross big over smaller and smaller over big which is a huge accomplishment since I have arthritis everywhere! All times are GMT The time now is AM.

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