Bones in The Toes
By Stacey Vanorny
Bones in the Toes
The foot consists of the big toe, also known as the hallux, and four toes, also known as phalanges. All are bones in the toes. Each phalange consists of 3 phalanx bones, a proximal, middle, and distal phalanx. These bones are connected via the PIP, IP, and DIP joints, respectively. The hallux, however, only contains two phalanx bones, a proximal and distal phalanx. These bones are connected via a PIP and DIP joint, respectively. The phalanges attach to the long metatarsal bones of the foot via an interphalangeal joint.
Anatomy of bones of the foot
Though the joints and bones in the toes are small, they are important for healthy foot functioning. The toes and joints endure significant impact and play a crucial role in weight-bearing. Both running and walking gait require a certain amount of big toe extension to get through a late-stance phase of gait without compensation. Big toe extension of at least 50 degrees is required for normal walking ability, while 70 degrees of extension is required for running. Limitations in the toes’ movement, especially the hallux, can significantly impair walking and running ability.
Foot and Toe Anatomy
Common Causes of Pain in Toe Bones:
Gout: This is an inflammatory condition in which crystals occasionally deposit in the joints causing severe pain and swelling. Gout is most common in the big toe.
Bunion: Also referred to as Hallux Valgus, this is a condition in which a bony prominence forms next to the base of the big toe, causing the big toe to turn inward. This is typically caused by heredity or ill-fitting footwear.
Mallet Toe: Mallet’s toe is a condition where the joint in the middle of the toe is flexed and unable to straighten. This will cause the toe to point downward.
Claw Toe: This is an abnormal contraction of the joints in the toes, causing a claw-like appearance. This condition is rather painful and requires a change in footwear.
Turf Toe: Turf toe is a sprain to the ligament at the base of the big toe. This occurs when excessive force is applied to the joint while the joint is in a flexed position. This is a common sports injury that occurs with running and cutting motions.
Foot Doctors in Jacksonville
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and would like to see a physician regarding this, JOI offers six different MD locations, and they are located throughout the northeast Florida area. Let JOI get you on the road to recovery.
• JOI MD Locations
Baptist South, Baptist Beaches, Baptist Clay, Nassau and San Marco
JOI also offers physical therapy in numerous areas in northeast Florida if your referring MD feels physical therapy would assist you in relieving these symptoms
• JOI Physical Therapy Locations
Arlington, Riverside, San Marco, Fleming, South, Mandarin, North, Nocatee, Nassau, Point Meadows, Beaches, and World Golf Village
Call 904 858-7045 for a Physical Therapy appointment at JOI Rehab.
Related Articles: Bones in the wrist and Bones in the Neck.
JOI and JOI Rehab
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.
Image of Book An Appointment with a JOI Physician Button.
By: Ehren Allen, PT