Bunions & Hammertoes

What are Bunions & Hammertoes?

A bunion is a painful, bony bump that develops on the outer edge of your big toe. Bunions occur as a result of your big toe pressing your metatarsal bone outward. Although anyone can develop a bunion, they’re especially common in women who regularly wear high heels or other types of tight shoes.

Besides the large, bony growth at the base of your big toe, other telltale signs of a bunion include swelling, redness, and irritation. Over time, you might also notice that your bunion appears shiny or feels warm to the touch.

Hammertoe is a painful condition that occurs due to an imbalance of the ligaments and muscles in your middle toe joint. Although a hammertoe can develop on any toe, they’re particularly common in the middle three toes. Untreated, a hammertoe may present serious health problems, especially for people with diabetes or poor circulation.

What are the symptoms of bunions and hammertoes?

Bunions:

A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
Swelling, redness, or soreness around your big toe joint
Corns or calluses — these often develop where the first and second toes overlap
Persistent or intermittent pain
Restricted movement of your big toe if arthritis affects the toe

Hammertoes:

Corns on the top of your toe joint
Swelling around your toe joints
Trouble moving your toe joint
Swelling and redness around the toe joint

FAQ
Bunions & Hammertoes

Bunions: The exact causes are not clear, but factors likely include inherited genetic structure of the foot, footwear that doesn’t fit properly, and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Bunions tend to run in families, which suggests a genetic predisposition.
Hammertoes: These often develop from shoes that are too tight or from a muscle imbalance, increasing the stress on the toe’s tendons and joints. They may also be caused by trauma or be a complication of arthritis.

Treatment can vary based on the severity of the deformity and the presence of symptoms:

Non-surgical treatments: This can include padding, taping, or splinting the toe, wearing proper footwear (wide-toed shoes), custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and inflammation.
Surgical treatments: If conservative measures fail and pain is persistent, surgery might be necessary. For bunions, surgical options include bunionectomy, where the bony protrusion is removed, and realignment of the toes. Hammertoe surgery may involve resecting a portion of the bone to realign the toe, tendon transfers, or joint fusions.

You should consult with us at Edmond Norman foot and ankle clinic if you notice signs of a bunion or hammertoe, especially if you experience pain that interferes with walking, difficulty fitting into shoes, or if your toes show signs of stiffness or rigidity. Early treatment can prevent progression of the deformities and avoid the need for surgery.

If a bunion or hammertoe is negatively affecting your quality of life, help is available. Make an appointment at Edmond Norman Foot and Ankle by calling the office or requesting an appointment today.