Bunions / Hammertoes

There is a way to slow the progression of bunions and hammertoes. They usually come about from a combination of mechanical and structural abnormalities. After clinical examination and radiographic evaluation, several different approaches may be offered to address these sometimes complicated problems.

The doctors will review the severity of the condition, and offer several treatment options to address either biomechanical control or surgical repair depending upon patient preference.

A bunion is a bump on the side of the big toe. It reflects changes in the bony framework of the foot, and is a progressive disorder. It is usually an inherited faulty mechanical structure of your foot, which can progress quicker with improper shoe choices.

In the latter stages of the progression, your bunions will likely become painful and sore, inflamed and red and can progress with a burning sensation and some numbness. X-rays are used to determine the degree of the deformity and assess progression.

Bunion remedies can include:
• Changes in shoes
• Custom padding or splints
• Activity modification
• Medication and icing
• Specific OTC supports
• Orthotic devices
• Surgical repair

A hammertoe deformity is a contracture or bend of one or both joints of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th (little) toes. As a hammertoe deformity progresses, it can be accompanied by pain and irritation, develop corns and cause calluses, and may even cause the joint to become dislocated. Hammertoes become progressively worse over time, usually at a much faster rate if left untreated.

Hammertoes may be caused by:
• Muscle or tendon imbalance
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Trauma of some kind
• Inherited structural malformation

Hammertoe remedies can include the following:
• Trimming/padding of the corns and calluses
• Changes in shoes
• Orthotics devices or OTC supports
• Injection therapy and medications
• Splinting/strapping
• Surgical repair

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