The big toe plays an important role in our daily lives, particularly when it comes to balance. In fact, it absorbs around 40% of the force exerted when performing almost any activity. This toe also aids in the foot’s natural movement, allowing our bodies to move forward while staying upright.
Walking, running, and even dancing are all activities that we take for granted on almost a daily basis – they’ve become second nature. But what if your big toe has been amputated? Will you still be able to do these sorts of activities?
The dedicated team at The Foot Clinic can assist with all types of foot problems, including strengthening the foot and improving mobility after big toe amputation. If this is something that you or a loved one require assistance with, book an appointment today and let us do the rest.
Why Might My Big Toe Be Amputated?
While losing a big toe is no minor antic, it happens more often than you might think. Amputation is generally required due to the tissue of the toe dying, which can occur as a result of:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Trauma
- Severe infection
- Tumours
- Congenital problems
- Severe frostbite
While it’s considered a minor surgical procedure, big toe amputation does pose some risks (such as infection and slow or difficult healing). It can take up to two months to fully heal, but most people report a significant reduction in pain by the one-week mark.
What Does Having No Big Toe Mean For Me?
The good news is that losing this toe won’t necessarily hinder your ability to do things like walking. However, it will have an impact on your balance and stability, not to mention cause some changes to your biomechanics. Losing your big toe will make your walking and running gait less efficient, which results in a slower and choppier stride.
A missing big toe can also make it more difficult to fit comfortably into shoes, which can cause your feet to rub painfully. This increases your risk of developing ulceration (and subsequent amputation). Some people find that their remaining toes may start to shift position to make up for their missing neighbour.
How Can I Walk Without a Big Toe?
There are many ways to compensate for the loss of a big toe, including modifying your walking style, training your muscles, physical therapy, and balance exercises. Most people will walk and even run again.
Balance Exercises
Many other aspects of our bodies enable us to walk correctly and upright, even without a big toe (you just might be a little unsteadier than you remember). Many balance exercises can assist with this, including:
- Squats (to strengthen the buttocks and upper thighs)
- Clamshells with resistance (to strengthen the buttocks)
- Ball rolls (massages the arch, allowing muscles and tissues to relax)
- Seated heal toe raises
- Marble pick-up (to challenge your balance on the leg with five toes)
Physical Therapy
This covers support from a wide range of medical professionals, such as a podiatrist or physiotherapist. A podiatrist is a great place to start, as they treat feet and feet-related problems. They can assess your walking gait and biomechanics, offering advice and suggestions on how to improve them. They can also keep an eye on your affected foot and monitor for any changes.
Toe Fillers
These special shoe inserts are designed for people who have lost one or more toes to amputation. When it comes to a missing big toe only, you would be looking at a hallux amputation toe filler. This can help you to regain a more natural walking gait, as well as reduce any discomfort. It also reduces pressure on your remaining four toes and helps to prevent them from shifting out of their natural alignment.
Custom Shoes
In some cases, toe fillers are not sufficient and you may need to invest in custom shoes for the balance and stability you require. These shoes will have built-in toe fillers, allowing you to simply slide your foot in and go. They can also be designed to help relieve high-pressure areas and include orthotics that can help to equalise the distribution of weight.
Modern custom shoes are designed with fashion in mind, ensuring that anyone who looked at them wouldn’t know that the wearer is an amputee.
No Big Toe? No Big Deal!
While the big toe is certainly a big deal, the reality is that you can still live a happy and healthy life without it. You are likely to face challenges with balance and even experience a few falls, but this doesn’t mean that your days of walking are over. With a good physical therapy team (including a podiatrist) on your side, you’ll be well on your way to getting back to your new normal.
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