Hammertoes
Hammertoes, as the name indicates is a deformity caused as a result of contracture or bending of the second, third, fourth or the fifth toe in the foot. As a result of this abnormal bending of the toes, the person might experience pain while using shoes due to the pressure caused to the toes. Hammertoes by and large arise due to imbalance in the muscle/tendon thereby ensuing in the bending of the toes. This deformity occurs predominantly due to structural changes in the foot. Another major reason for hammertoes is inappropriately fitting shoes; shoes that lead to crowding of the toes. Other major reasons leading to this deformity are former injuries caused to the toe and sometimes heredity. Hammertoes begin gradually, as a tiny abnormality and over time worsen. If left untreated, it can cause inflexibility to the toes and will require surgical correction. Corns are another major problem for people suffering with hammertoes and these corns can never be got rid off even with frequent trimming.
Symptoms of hammertoes
- Pain or soreness in the affected toes while wearing shoes.
- Development of corns due to frequent friction caused to the toe by rubbing against the shoes. Corns can occur either on top of the toe, side of the toe, ends of the toe or in between two toes.
- Calluses can arise either on the underneath the toe or on the ball of the foot.
Hammertoes can be treated according to the severity of the deformity; the foot/ankle surgeon will be the best person to decide on this.
Non-surgical methods
- Trimming of the corns and calluses: The best way to get is done is through your foot/ankle surgeon, as they know how and where exactly it needs to be trimmed. Self trimming might lead to infections.
- Padding corns and calluses: Again the foot/ankle surgeon is the best person to decide on the right type of pad your foot will require. Over the counter pads might contain acid that may add on to the irritation to the already existing irritation in the corns and calluses.
- Orthotic device: A made-to-order orthotic device when placed in the shoes can help control the imbalance in the muscle or the tendon of the foot.
- Injection therapy: Pain and inflammation can be kept under control by injecting corticosteroid injections.
- Strapping/splinting: Straps/splints as prescribed by the ankle/foot surgeon can be used to try and realign the bent toe.
Surgical methods: With more severe cases of hammertoes, surgery is required to correct the deformation of the foot caused.
Bunions
Bunion is a common disorder of the foot. Medically, bunions are referred to as hallux valgus, displacement of the great toe towards the other toes. The result is a hard bump or bunion on the inside edge of the toe. Women are more likely to have bunion than men. The exact cause is still unknown but the common causes attributed to developing bunions include:
- When women use pointed-toe high-heeled shoes repeatedly it lays additional stress and pressure on the tissues at the base of the big toe.
- Injury to the joint at the base of the big toe.
- Inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot.
- Arthritis, especially in older people, increases risk of developing bunions.
- Any kind of unnatural pressure on the foot that lasts over an extended period of time can result in bunions.
- Weakness of foot ligaments.
- Congenital deformities.
Symptoms of bunions
Bunions can be categorized into mild, moderate or severe. Having a bunion does not necessarily mean experiencing excruciating or mild pain in the affected area. There are instances when people with severe bunions don’t experience pain and those with mild bunions experiencing a lot of pain. Possible symptoms of bunions include:
- Redness of area surrounding big toe joint
- Swelling in the joint of big toe
- Difficulty in walking/moving big toe.
- Pain in the inner foot margin.
- Difficulty or pain while wearing tight foot wear.
- Inability to wear normal size shoes.
- Development of hammer toe
- Corns or calluses
Prevent bunions
- Choosing footwear that is well-fitting and comfortable.
- Avoid stilettos. Prefer wedge or a chunky heel.
- Two-inch heel is safer than four-inch heel.
- Exercise daily to keep muscles of the feet and legs strong and healthy.
- Consider switching exercise regime. Frequent runners should try alternating running days with a low-impact sport such as biking, swimming, speed walking, yoga or Pilates.
- Wear an orthotic that will absorb the shock of impact feet.
- To get relief from pain of bunions while wearing shoes, apply bunion cushions before slipping into shoes and just before retiring to bed apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation.
- Take along orthotics while deciding on new shoes.
Diagnose bunions
If you suspect the bump on the feet to be a bunion irrespective of whether you experience symptoms or not, it is time to seek medical attention. Gradually, you may find it difficult to walk in the usual footwear.
The health care provider may ask questions related to duration of the bump, associated discomfort being experienced and the genetic factor. After visually examining the affected part, an x-ray may be required to determine possible cause and the stage of the bunion, how severe the bump is. X-rays help understand and assess the anatomy of the feet.
Treating bunions
The results of the x-ray will help health care provider understand the severity of the bunion. Unless a surgery is performed, bunion cannot be permanently removed. Surgery is resorted to only in such cases where the bunion results in excruciating pain and interferes with daily activities. Bunion surgery is done to help restore normal alignment to the toe joint and relieve pain.
If the bunion does not cause pain or discomfort certain life style changes may be recommended which would prevent the bunion from getting worse.
- Non-prescription medications to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Change of footwear.
- Using ice to relieve pain and reduce swelling or cold compressors.
- Adding shoe inserts to shoes.
- Use of bunion night splints and bunion pads to reduce size of bunions.
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