Hammertoes
Hammertoes are a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons or ligaments that normally hold toes straight. The kind of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma and some disease processes can contribute to the development of hammertoes.
Hammertoes have an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe. They most commonly occur in the second, third and fourth toes. Relieving pain and pressure from a hammertoe may involve changing footwear, wearing inserts, or seeking surgical relief in severe cases.
Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint of the big toe's base. A bunion involves your big toe pushing against your second toe as well as the base of the big toe pressing out and enlarging. The skin over a bunion might be red and sore.
Wearing tight and narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions can also develop as a result of an inherited structural defect, stress placed on the foot, or medical conditions such as arthritis.
Bunionettes
Bunionettes are similar to bunions, but occur on the small toe. They are also caused by an enlarged or misaligned portioned of the bone, and like bunions is usually a progressive problem.
Hallux Rigidus
Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the big toe joint. It is one of the most common arthritic conditions occurring in the foot, and alongside bunions is the most common condition associated with the big toe. Hallux rigidus affects females more often than males, and typically develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.
Most patients with hallux rigidus experience pain in the big toe joint when active, especially when pushing off to walk. Others note an inability to bend the toe up or down, or the formation of a bump on top of the big toe joint.
How do we treat these common foot deformities?
Our approach is to offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options with a heavy emphasis on the conservative aspect.