subject: What are Toe Separators [print this page] What are Toe Separators What are Toe Separators
Have you ever watched a movie where there's a woman sitting on her bed with a cell phone in between her cheek and shoulder. Applying hot pink toe nail polish, with a pink piece of foam separating her toes. This is a typical scene in cheap horror flicks, while the scene isn't important, what's essential is the item the woman uses to keep her polish from becoming ruined. These pieces of foam are commonly referred to as toe separators.
Toe separators are intended to reduce friction and irritation between the toes. There are several conditions that can force the use of toe separators, all involving toes that are in an awkward or uncomfortable place. The separators carefully pull the toes into a position exactly where they do not touch to increase comfort level. They can be created of foam, gel, cotton and moleskin among other materials, every with an intended usage.
There are a number of reasons that people choose to use toe separators. Crooked or overlapping toes happen when one toe rests on top of an additional and can trigger friction and pain. Pinched toes are toes that are smashed together and rub uncomfortably. In many cases, this rubbing can also cause corns.
Toe separators arrive a selection of materials and styles. They usually come in sizes small, medium, large, or extra large to accommodate various sizes of feet. Some separators are meant to be used with shoes, and others without. Any footwear put on with toe separators should be loose fitting.
Foam and gel toe separators work similarly, and are basically a thin board placed in between the toes. Foam toe separators absorb friction and pressure and are generally made of several thin layers of foam. They can usually be trimmed and are washable. Gel toe separators are comparable, but contain a squishy material that releases a moisturizer such as mineral oil. Both are meant for use in footwear and are washable and reusable.
Some toe separators known as splints are made specifically for use at night and are not meant to be worn with shoes. These look very similar to the separators used during a pedicure. They are meant to train the toes into a correct place and offer some relief overnight.
Adhesive moleskin and bandages are alternatives to toe separators. Simply cut the right size strip and stick it in between the toes. This cheaper alternative does not correct severely overlapping toes with the same effectiveness of items meant for that purpose, but it does help with friction
Toe trainers serve the same purpose as toe separators, in that they decrease friction and promote alignment. These trainers are small cotton covered foam splints that slide over the defective toes. These offer the strength of an overnight splint, but can be worn beneath footwear.
Toe socks perform a comparable objective as bandages. They are basically fabric based socks that slip over every toe separately. They can be discovered in full socks as nicely as small socks that cover only the balls of the feet and permit the end of the toes to be totally free.
There are a few precautions that should be taken with toe separators. Individuals with diabetes are cautioned against using them, as nicely as those with open wounds. Any skin discoloration, numbness, pain or other irritations should be reported to a health professional and the product's use should be discontinued.
