Pinkie Toe Pain [Causes, Symptoms & Best Home Treatment!]
Pinkie Toe Pain is 90% a compression injury and not a broken toe. Make 100% pressure you get rid of your pinkie toe pain by stopping your foot from turning out!
Look:
Outside of the foot pain can be improved with a few simple treatment changes.
We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day.
The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if possible.
So, let’s GO!
Table of Contents
Outside of the Foot Pain Picture Gallery:
Look:
Fifth toe pain usually has nothing wrong with the bone unless it has recently been broken. The pain usually results from pressure against the front of the shoe causing a callous or ingrown toenail.
The fifth toe joint can cause a Tailor’s bunion to occur. This can also result in nerve pain and arthritis of the fifth toe joint.
The bone connecting to the fifth toe is called the fifth metatarsal. It is possible to develop a stress fracture or “Jones” fracture.
It is also possible to have pain along the tendons and nerves along the outside of the ankle from pressure against the outside of the shoe.
Click on the photo gallery to see descriptions!
Causes of Pinkie Toe Pain:
As small as the pinkie toe is, pain in it can be debilitating.
The vast majority of pinky toe pain is not caused by an accident or damage. It is mostly a biomechanical injury.
This is a sprained 5th toe. If not treated properly, this can lead to post-traumatic osteoarhtritis.
Friction against the side of your shoe is one of the most common causes of pinkie toe pain.
What this means is that your pinky toe is the smallest structure on your foot, but it takes the most damage because in your shoes it presses against a curved hart service.
This can lead to numbness and burning and tingling type pain.
I told this small toe needs your support! You can’t just let it keep getting beat up and bruised all day long. It likely isn’t broken unless you crushed it or really bumped it hard.
The Video above provides you with a guide that you can follow to help diagnose the cause of your pinky toe pain.
If you hit your toe and you are unsure of whether it is broken, fractured, bruised, only an X-ray is the only sure way to know!
Symptoms of Pinky Toe Pain (Not Broken):
Symptoms of pinky toe pain that is due to biomechanical issues, and not a break is:
This is a broken pinky toe or a broken 5th toe. This is not a sprain.
An X-ray is the best way to tell if your 5th toe is broken for sure.
Redness, swelling and pain at the site of the enlargement.
Sprained Pinky Toe Pain or Broken Pinky Toe?
These are symptoms that are usually made worse all wearing issue that rubs against the fifth toe joint and the fifth toe itself.
This irritates the soft tissues underneath the skin producing what is called inflammation.
Even on X-ray it can be very difficult to see if the toe is broken or sprained. The pinky toe can have arthritis or sometimes even be autofused.
If there is obvious deformity or bending, this likely means the toe is broken.
But if it is swollen, chances are there is no break, but it is impossible to tell for sure without an X-ray
The most important sign and symptom is no specific traumatic injury.
If you did not smash or drop something heavy on your pinky toe, then you’re probably okay and avoiding an x-ray.
Do I Have A Broken Pinky Toe or Bruised Pinky Toe? (a comparison):
The most common cause of sharp shooting pinky toe pain or 5th toe pain is compression in your shoe. A full day of your 5th toe stuffed against your shoes can cause your toe to ache and show nerve symptoms.
Feel for a deformity – if it is uneven it is a broken toe.
Wiggling your toe- if no severe pain or rubbing/popping sound, may not be a break.
If your toe is extremely swollen (2x the size)- it may be broken.
Compare that toe to your other foot, if it looks shorter or bent – it may be broken.
Check your temperature- after a break you are more likely to have the surrounding area inflammed.
The only way to know 100% is to go visit your foot doctor or podiatrist!
Usually this does not mean that you need any type of surgery.
Conservative Treatment Options:
Keep reading for further in-depth guide what’s practical to do at home, but these are the proven medical treatment options.
Shoe modifications:
Choose shoes that are wide in the toes, avoid wearing pointed or high heels.
Padding:
Bunionette pads placed over the area can deftly help you your pinky toe pain.
Medications:
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or ibuprofen can definitly help decrease your pain in the area.
Icing:
Ice can be applied directly to the fifth toe to reduce the pain and inflammation.
The general rule is to use 20 minutes on 20 minutes off. In terms of an injury icing is much more important than simply saying heat.
Injections:
Sometimes your podiatrist can use an injection to cool the joint down if it is extremely swollen and if you need a quick fix.
But don’t make this your permanent solution, it’s meant to be more of a onetime thing to get you through a tough problem.
Orthotics:
In some cases, and orthotic can help take pressure off the fifth toe.
But the tough part is if done incorrectly it just takes up more pressure in space in your shoe and makes the problem even worse.
Surgery for pinky toe pain?
If you do all the stuff above and you continue having pain, sometimes a specialist such as a podiatrist can help you decide whether you need to take care of your problem.
We usually find that it is not necessary to surgery for the pinky toe, this is a very little structure and by simply correcting your shoes and a few other factors 99% of people tend to get better.
If you need a second opinion feel free to come and see us and we love to see you for your fifth toe pain.
Even on Xray it can be very difficult to see if the toe is broken or sprained. The pinky toe can have arthritis or sometimes even be fused.
Conditions associated with the side of your foot (The 5th Metatarsal):
The fifth metatarsal is the long bone shown below that connects to the little toe. Any damage to this bones can cause pain on the outside of the foot.
There are different types of fifth metatarsal fractures that can occur; Jones fracture and avulsion fractures.
Other causes of pain on the outside of the foot and in the pinkie toe area can include a Styloid Process Protrusion and Os Vesalanium.
Associated Pinkie Toe Problems:
Other causes of pinkie toe include Heloma Molle (soft corns), Heloma Durum (hard corns), bunion (bunionnettes), bone spurs, bruises or fractures.
A Jones Fracture occurs in the small area of the fifth metatarsal as shown in the photo above.
This area of the does not receive a large blood supply.
It is therefore difficult to heal.
A Jones fracture can be a stress fracture (hairlike fracture) or can be broken suddenly and more severely.
It can occur due to repetitive stress or trauma on the side of the foot or as the result of injury.
The fracture site is very visible here. This is immediately after the surgery, before bone consolidation. The patient took about 4 weeks in a walking boot.
Avulsion Fracture:
As the photo above demonstrates, an avulsion fracture occurs when the smallest section of the fifth metatarsal is pulled off as the result of an injury.
This type of fracture accompanies in conjunction with ankle sprains and are often overlooked.
Cavus Foot- Styloid Process Protrusion:
As the photo below show, the Styloid Process is the protrusion is a the end of the fifth metatarsal bone.
If this bone protrudes, it will cause pain because it will increase the likelihood of friction between the skin and the shoes (the area will likely be callused) and a bunion may form.
Os Vesalanium:
The Os Vesalanium is an accessory bone at the base of the fifth metatarsal.
In the majority of cases, its presence is asymptomatic. However, in some cases it becomes symptomatic and cause pain on the side of the foot.
Menthol based creams have been studied medically and show safety and excellent results.
This is best for nerve irritation.
This can help with the nerve pain on the outside of the foot. Just don’t use this as your only treatment option.
This is not fluff, these are scientifically backed!
Bio-freeze is cost effective an shows great results.
This is more for people who have difficulty sleeping or walking due to significant issues.
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$32.88
$31.43
$151.82
$24.99
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
$32.88
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
$151.82
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Ice is the an excellent option that can be safe for almost everyone.
There are many nerves, ligaments and tendons on the outside of your foot.
This can help calm the inflammation until you fix the biomechanics making your foot turn outward.
There is some debate whether icing is worth doing, but for chronic pain this can help limit the need for medications and keep your options open.
This works great for your arch, less for the ball of the foot.
The more muscle and ligament tissue there is, the better ice will work there.
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
$49.99
$6.99
$13.49
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Pros:
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
Important Tips:
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
More flexibility will make your foot turn out less.
This is a very counter-intuitive way to take pressure off of the outside of your foot!
This allows less tightness and pressure on the ball of your foot.
This is very effective for the arch, the gastrocnemius or calf muscle and for the hamstring and thigh muscles.
This also works very well for the gluteus muscles if you are having butt cheek or hip pain.
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick
Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit
Price:
$29.95
$8.99
Price not available
Overview:
This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
A well reviewed foot massage unit.
Pros:
Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won’t fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.
Pros:
Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won’t fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
Pros:
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Cons:
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
Important Tips:
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.
Cons:
A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!
Important Tips:
This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Getting a great supportive pair of shoes will make sure that there is pressure removed from the outside of your foot
This is especially important if you have a have flat feet.
Consider shoes combined with a good supportive orthotic for best pain relief!.
The following link will show you what our favorites are.
Best Orthotics for Side of Foot Pain:
Orthotics are the single most important way to improve your outside of the foot pain, Seriously!
Most people don’t think orthotics will fix their foot pain.
Besides trauma, 95% of all 5th toe, middle of the foot and outside of the ankle pain can be improved with orthotics.
This is because orthotics help your foot from twisting out and compressing against your shoe when you walk.
Don’t take our word for it, read the reviews!
Most Important Tips For Orthotics:
Make sure you have a roomy enough shoe.
I’m warning you right now, don’t try to stuff a full length orthotic into a tiny tight shoe, it won’t work.
If you have tighter or dress shoes: try the dress shoe or 3/4″ orthotics.
Full length orthotics give you the most correction and improvement:
If you have roomy enough shoes like running shoes or work boots. Get a full length orthotic.
They cushion under the front of your foot and prevent it from twisting out against the outside of your shoe as much as possible.
These are one of the best possible options for medium and heavy duty correction!
Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:
Best Overall 3/4″ length option. (Not Heavy Duty, But Fit Focused)
Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Great 3/4″ choice. These work great in every shoe without laces. Not meant for heavy duty correction.
These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.
Pros:
Excellent fit, they are reliable with excellent reviews. You are going to be happy with these, just never SUPER happy because they don’t correct as much.
They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.
Cons:
They are not super corrective. In some cases its like trying to using a 2 seat car to haul gravel. It looks and feels great but does
At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!
Crucial Tips:
These have a faster break in period than the heavy duty type. If after a few weeks
**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Overall 3/4″ length option. (Not Heavy Duty, But Fit Focused)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great 3/4″ choice. These work great in every shoe without laces. Not meant for heavy duty correction.
Pros:
Excellent fit, they are reliable with excellent reviews. You are going to be happy with these, just never SUPER happy because they don’t correct as much.
Cons:
They are not super corrective. In some cases its like trying to using a 2 seat car to haul gravel. It looks and feels great but does
Crucial Tips:
These have a faster break in period than the heavy duty type. If after a few weeks
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.
Pros:
They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.
Cons:
At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!
Crucial Tips:
**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
These orthotics are for slimmer shoes, without laces:
If you are tight in the front of your shoes, or the shoes are tighter, these 3/4″ might be the best choice for you.
But if you have a choice, the full length orthotics are much, much more supportive!
So if you wear work boots or running shoes, get the full length, they get you more support.
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
$28.39
$36.84
Price not available
$54.95
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
$28.39
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
Pros:
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
Cons:
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Crucial Tips:
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Pros:
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Cons:
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
Crucial Tips:
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
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Dress Shoe orthotics:
These are premium leather orthotic recommendations for dress shoes.
If you have a tight dress shoe get the 3/4″ orthotic.
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)
Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.
Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
$29.95
Overview:
This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!
Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.
Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.
Pros:
Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.
Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.
These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results
Cons:
Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.
These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.
They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support
Crucial Tips:
If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.
This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.
Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.
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This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!
Pros:
Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.
Cons:
Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.
Crucial Tips:
If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.
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Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.
Pros:
Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.
Cons:
These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.
Crucial Tips:
This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.
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If you think you might have a broken 5th metatarsal fracture, a Jones fracture , a stubbed or broken 5th toe, these products may be of assistance.
This guide is meant for only after getting your foot evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist first!
Always remember to see a foot and ankle specialist like a podiatrist if you are having severe outside of the foot pain or a broken bone!
5th Toe or 5th Metatarsal Injury Treatment:
If you have a traumatic injury such as a broken 5th metatarsal fracture, a Jones fracture , a stubbed or broken 5th toe: consider protecting your foot!
The best way to do this is of course to see your podiatrist and get evaluated with an x-ray, ultrasound and potentially even an MRI or CT scan.
If you are unable to do so it may benefit you to be in a cast, fractured boot, or even keep the weight off of it with a rolling knee scooter or other protective devices.
We as podiatrists frequently take patients off work for very long period of time when they suffer a traumatic injury, unfortunately there is no other way around us in labor jobs.
If you have a sit down job there are ways to get people back to work quicker, but this can be very difficult otherwise.
Outside of the Foot Boot Treatment:
There are pros and cons to using a boot to treat your outside of the foot injury. If you are immobilized too long the cons are that you will gradually become stiff and overworked to your other leg. The Pros are that you injured lateral foot will hopefully have a chance to gradually heal!
Our favorite fracture boots and their supplies:
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Best Short Boot
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Best Cast Shower Cover
Best Weather Walking Cover
Price:
$68.99
$45.05
$29.99
$15.99
$27.99
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Great reviews at 4.1/5 with 200+ overall reviews.
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Great cover for walking around in snow and rain, it is great at what it does!
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
It can still leak, so be careful!
It is still not fully water proof.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Great cover for outdoors. Good at what it says it will do.
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