Bunions and hammer toes are foot deformities generally caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. These conditions sometimes run in families whose feet are more susceptible to these kinds of injuries and are much more common in women.

Bunions

A bunion is a painful, bony bump that forms at the inside of the big toe.

There are 28 bones within each foot. Among these bones are the metatarsal bones, which are a group of five long bones that run through the foot and connect to each toe.

As the first metatarsal bone moves inward, the bone of the toe moves in the other direction which can cause a bunion. Because of this, the big toe joint becomes enlarged and inflamed.

Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a deformity that causes your toe to bend or curl downward at the middle joint of a toe, usually the second, third, or fourth toe.

These deformities can affect the foot and although a hammer toe can be present at birth, they usually develop over time.

Causes for Bunions and Hammertoes

• Genetics: Depending on the foot type you are born with, you may be predisposed to develop joint deformities. Some people are more prone to bunions and hammertoes because of the natural shape of their feet. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may also make bunions more likely. Additionally, people with flat feet can develop hammertoes due to the foot trying to stabilize against a flattening arch over time. Folks with high arches in their feet can also form hammertoes as the extensor tendons overpower the flexors.
• Poor shoes: Footwear that is too narrow or ill-fitting, such as high heels, have little to no arch support. These high heels can put severe pressure on the toes and their joints. Because of this, there are more cases of hammertoes are found in women than in men.
• Neuromuscular disease: Neuromuscular diseases can contribute to the development of a hammertoe. People with diabetes can be at increased risk for complications. For them, a toe with a corn or other ulceration indicates there's too much pressure on the toes. In people with diabetes who have poor blood flow or neuropathy, infected corns and lesions can lead to the loss of a toe or foot unless their shoes are modified.

Treatment for Bunions and Hammertoes

“Often times, bunions and hammertoes can be treated without surgery. The first step in alleviating the pain associated with bunions and hammertoes is to wear proper footwear” explains Neighborhood Health Center’s Chief Medical Administrator Dr. James Burruano, DPM, ABFAS, ACFAS.

Although bunions and hammertoes often require no medical treatment, it is recommended to see your podiatrist if you have:

• Ongoing pain in the big toe area of the foot
• A visible bump on your big toe joint
• Decreased movement of your big toe or foot
• Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly because of a bunion
• A toe that bends downward
• Claw-like toes
• Corns or calluses on your feet and toes
• Difficulty or pain while walking
• An inability to flex your foot or wiggle your toes

Our Neighborhood podiatry team is here to help. Click here to learn more about the podiatry services available at Neighborhood.