It directs weight transfer (Yavuz et al., 2009). This only works in the correct alignment. A markedly abducted big toe is characteristic of people who usually go barefoot — a functional adaptation that creates directional stability (Hoffman, 1905; D’Aout et al., 2009; Shu et al., 2015).
When the toe is forced into an elevated, constricted position, balance capacity decreases (Chou et al., 2009). If big-toe alignment is compromised (compressed), pronation during running increases (Plank, 1995) — an issue affecting 23% of adults aged 18–60 and over 36% of those older than 60 (Nix et al., 2010), and one that is significantly promoted by shoes with a narrow toe box (Munteanu et al., 2017).
The special position and steering function of the big toe is designed to guide body weight safely during walking and running. If toe alignment deviates, instability and harmful loads arise for the foot, ankle, and knee.
- Wear foot-shaped (functional) shoes that allow the toes to splay and give the forefoot room.
- Load your feet regularly with your body weight so gravity reinforces the functional foot shape.
References
- Chou S. et al. (2009). The role of the great toe in balance performance. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 27:549–54.
- D’Aout K. et al. (2009). The effects of habitual footwear use... Footwear Science, 1(2):81–94.
- Hoffman P. (1905). Comparative study of the feet... The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 3:105–36.
- Munteanu S.E. et al. (2017). Hallux valgus, by nature or nurture? Arthritis Care & Research, 69:1421–1428.
- Nix S. et al. (2010). Prevalence of hallux valgus... Journal of Foot & Ankle Research, 3:21.
- Plank M. (1995). Forefoot pressure distribution in hallux valgus. The Foot, 5(1):8–14.
- Rolian C. et al. (2009). Walking, running and the evolution of short toes. Journal of Experimental Biology, 212:713–21.
- Shu Y. et al. (2015). Foot morphological difference... PLoS ONE, 10:e0131385.
- Yavuz M. et al. (2009). Forefoot plantar shear stress in hallux valgus. Gait & Posture, 30(2):257–9.