Your feet are the foundation of everything you do, and conditions like bunions and hammertoes can significantly affect your mobility and overall quality of life. Our team of podiatric specialists are here to diagnose your condition and get you back on the road to recovery.
What are Bunions and Hammertoes?
Bunions and hammertoes are common foot conditions that can cause discomfort and affect your mobility. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. It forms when the joint at the base of the toe is misaligned, pushing the toe outward. Common symptoms are pain, swelling, redness and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Bunions often develop due to genetic factors, foot deformities or wearing ill-fitting footwear for an extended period of time.
Hammertoes are characterized by an abnormal bending of the toes, causing them to resemble a hammer or claw. This condition usually affects the second, third or fourth toe. Hammertoes can be flexible, where the affected toe can still be straightened, or rigid, where the toe remains fixed in a bent position. Symptoms include pain, corns, calluses and difficulty fitting into shoes comfortably. Hammertoes are caused by tight shoes, muscle imbalance, nerve or joint damage or conditions such as arthritis.
How are Bunions and Hammertoes Diagnosed?
Diagnosing bunions and hammertoes involves the combination of a physical examination and a medical history assessment by a health care provider. Your doctor will visually inspect the affected foot, looking for deformities, swelling or redness. They may also assess your range of motion in the toe joints and evaluate any associated pain. A podiatrist may order X-rays to determine the extent of the deformity and assess the underlying bone structure.
Bunion and Hammertoe Treatment Options
Depending on your specific symptoms, your podiatrist may recommend treatment options such as:
Non-surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatment options for bunions and hammertoes include wearing comfortable shoes with adequate toe space, using padding or orthotic devices to relieve pressure and improve foot alignment and practicing toe exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Medications and Pain Relief
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with bunions and hammertoes.
Surgical intervention
When conservative measures fail to provide relief or in severe cases, surgical intervention, such as bunionectomy (removal of the bunion) or hammertoe correction to realign the toe joints, reduce deformity and restore function may be necessary.
Our Approach to Bunion and Hammertoe Treatment
At Inspira, our podiatric specialists prioritize your well-being and comfort. The treatment process begins with a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and a discussion of the patient's medical history. This allows your doctor to accurately diagnose the condition and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Inspira offers a range of treatment options tailored to the specific needs of each patient. In cases where non-surgical interventions do not provide sufficient relief, surgical intervention, such as proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion may be recommended. The surgeons at Inspira are skilled in performing these procedures, using advanced techniques to address the underlying deformities effectively.
Throughout the treatment process, Inspira emphasizes patient education and communication. Our team takes the time to explain your diagnosis, treatment options and potential outcomes, allowing you to make informed decisions about your care.
