Sure-footed questions

Orthopaedic engineer Lars Eghamn answers readers’ foot and footwear questions. Please e-mail any queries to: lars.eghamn@ejendals.se

Pressure on toes

I am having problems with my toes after working all day. It hurts when kneeling with my toes bent and I have to work in this position several times a day. Is this something I should see my doctor about or should I put something in my shoes over the toes? Help!
Bror, Gävle

Response: You are one of several correspondents who have asked me this question about pressure on the toes. The first thing you should do is check that your shoes have a sufficiently broad fit so that the toe-cap is not pressing on your toes. People often choose too narrow a fit for the shape of their feet. A simple way of preventing pressure on the toes is to put the whole foot down in the “ballet position” so that the toes are pointing backwards. It will be a little awkward for you to get up, it’s true, but what is best? Pain or the fact that getting up will be a little more awkward? You should take a look at the appearance of your feet. You may have crooked toes that push upwards. Have you tried inserting a stabilising insole – 6032 Comsoft? It has a forefoot pad to raise the arch and thereby relieve pressure on the toes and reduce the pain. If you do not succeed in solving this problem, contact me again so that I can refer you to an expert.