Why you need to check if you have an ‘Irish pinky toe’ and how it can mean your health is at risk
YOU probably don’t think about your feet much - unless they get stomped on.
But your feet can tell you a lot about your health.
From fungal infections and pesky warts to more complicated conditions, your feet often serve as the first clue to potential medical concerns that may not be apparent in other parts of your body.
And now, experts are sounding the alarm over a little-known foot disorder commonly known as "Irish pinky toe".
If your small toe hides beneath its next-door neighbour, you might be one of the many people dealing with this condition.
And although it sounds harmless, if not addressed, the condition can cause severe blisters, thickened skin, or in extreme cases, infection and loss of a toe.
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Contrary to what the name might imply, this condition isn't more prevalent in Ireland.
In fact, it isn't limited to any particular group and is typically shaped by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.
Podiatrists point out that the "Irish pinky toe" can place pressure on the adjacent toe, which can result in various issues.
"If two bones or joints are pressed close together, this may cause the skin to thicken and result in a corn," explained Lauren Connell, a podiatrist and doctoral researcher, alongside Benjamin Bullen, a lecturer in podiatric medicine at the University of Galway, Ireland.
"Added pressure on the toe or toenail can also cause corns, calluses, thickened toenails and even ulcers that may lead to amputation," they wrote for The Conversation.
Corns and calluses - those thick, tough patches of skin - are among the most common foot issues.
They form when the skin tries to protect itself from friction or pressure, and they can get pretty painful.
Luckily, podiatrists are experts in removing calluses and corns without causing pain, using special tools like blades to reduce discomfort.
The "Irish pinky toe" and its toenail can also rub against the inside of your shoes, leading to painful friction blisters or causing your shoes to wear out more quickly.
In some cases, this friction can even cause extra nail-like skin to grow, making it look like you have two nails on that toe.
But don’t worry, there are ways to protect your toe from this kind of damage and relieve the pressure, according to podiatrists.
What can I do?
The experts suggest avoiding tight shoes, like protective boots with steel toe caps or pointed pumps, since these can force your toes into awkward positions over time.
"Some people might throw on any old socks in the morning, but ill-fitting socks can contribute to problem foot health," the experts said.
"Socks that do not stretch, or have heavy seams, may increase the pressure on your pinky toes."
Instead, they recommend opting for higher-quality, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo, which can help protect the toe.
"If you have to wear specific safety footwear for your job such as in farming and construction, you may find higher quality, thicker socks are better than boots with thick fabrics in the toe," they said.
This is because boots with thick fabrics in the toe are more likely to wear down over time.
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Podiatrists can also "prep" the toe by creating supports like insoles to lift the toes off the ground, separate tight toes, or improve their position to help prevent future issues.
The NHS also suggests that patients visit their pharmacy for advice on heel pads, insoles, and pain relief options to help manage calluses.
What your feet can reveal about the state of your health - and when to worry
Here, we look at the signs and symptoms of six different conditions that can affect your feet, but reveal much more...
1. Heart disease
You might think hairy feet are more likely to affect men, but women have fine hair on their toes too.
If you notice the hair on your feet has disappeared, this could be a sign of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
PAD is the restriction of blood in the arteries of the leg and may signal more widespread arterial disease, which can cause heart disease.
Other symptoms of the condition include a cold feeling in the lower legs or feet, leg numbness, painful cramping in the hips or legs and shiny skin on the legs.
2. Diabetes
If you notice a wound on the soul of your foot which will not heal, this could signal diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.
One complication is neuropathy, which is where the nerves become damaged and a patient starts to lose feeling - typically in the feet.
One US study suggests up to five per cent of people with the condition will get foot ulcers.
And because they can easily get infected, one per cent of people with these wounds end up having to get some sort or amputation.
Other symptoms of diabetes include peeing more than usual, feeling thirsty all the time, tiredness, blurred vision and losing weight without trying to.
3. Hypothyroidism
Suffering from cold feet could be a sign of a thyroid condition called hypothyroidism.
This happens when the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the NHS says.
It can cause many of the body's functions to slow down, and change the way it processes fat.
Because of these changes, thyroid problems can lead to high cholesterol and artery clogging.
This could potentially result in serious heart-related issues, such as angina or a heart attack.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include tiredness, weight gain, constipation, depression and muscle cramps.
4. Fungal infection
If your toenails begin to look a bit yellow and thick you could have something called athlete’s foot.
It's a common infection of the skin of the feet, especially between the toes.
Wearing tight footwear which doesn't allow your feet to breathe, such as work boots, can cause the feet to sweat excessively which increases the risk of fungal infections.
5. Gout
Big toes are, by definition big.
But if your big toe is looking especially large - and has been for a long time - you could have a type of arthritis called gout.
It can lead to sudden attacks of severe pain and swelling.
If left untreated, gout can lead to kidney stones and permanent joint damage.
6. Anaemia
Toenails that look a bit sunken or spoon-like (the ends will be flicking upwards) you suggest anaemia, according to a report in The Permanente Journal.
Iron deficiency anaemia is triggered by lack of iron, often because of blood loss or pregnancy.
Iron is used by the body to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen in the blood.
Other possible symptoms of anaemia include tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and pale or yellowish skin, which might appear more obvious on white skin than on Black or brown skin.
When to worry
If you think you could have Athlete's foot, a pharmacist can give you some treatments to clear the infection up.
But if you believe you could have any of the other conditions mentioned, it's important you see your GP.