Types of feet: The Greek foot
According to the latest data, 14% of the world’s population has the so-called ‘Greek foot’, which means that the second toe is longer than the first toe.
For many years it has been thought that having a “Greek foot” was something special, but over the years science has proven that it is not.
According to legends, the Greek goddesses had this kind of “special foot”, but also the people who possessed it had inherited divine powers.
Historically, people have been associated with this type of foot with intelligence, strength and sexual attraction. But these are just myths that can’t be proven.
The Greek foot and its care
The reality is that having a Greek foot’ is neither good nor bad, but if you do not take special care of the footwear you wear regularly, it can lead to pain and problems. Scientific studies have shown that the “Greek foot” is more likely to have painful and inflammatory conditions, so footwear plays an essential role. If you have this type of foot it is wise to wear a comfortable shoe that offers support to the foot without compressing the toes, thus avoiding the development of claw toes and/or hammer toes.
In addition, it is important to use custom-made insoles to ensure good cushioning of the body, because it is under the second toe where there is more pressure upon walking or when flexing the second toe.
If you have the “Greek foot” and you begin to experience discomfort, the best option is to visit your podiatrist or foot specialist to have your foot examined to have the appropriate treatment, reducing the chance of developing severe problems or deformities in the joints of your foot in future.