DR. LEE S. COHEN AND ASSOCIATES
SPORTS MEDICINE PODIATRY CENTER
BUNIONS AND HAMMERTOES
BUNIONS
What are Bunions?
A bunion—also called Hallux Valgus—is a bump that appears inside the foot, around the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (near the big toe). This bump is a bone that protrudes towards the inside of the big toe. If bunions are left untreated, they can cause severe pain, hinder walking abilities and cause an imbalance that can lead to a whole host of other issues..
Bunions are commonly found in women, but men develop them too. Most bunions are caused by wearing poor-fitting shoes—though they can also be passed down genetically as well.
Types of Bunions
Bunions are a result of the weight of your body falling unevenly on the joints and tendons in your feet. This is usually caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly or genetic deformities. The most common types of bunions include:
Tailors bunion: Also called a bunionette, Tailors bunions are a result of the fifth metatarsal bone (smallest toe) starting to expand outward, which causes the bony growth to form near the little toe. Acute bunion: This condition causes the formation of these bone masses near the toe joints as a result of bursitis.
Adolescent bunion: Teens and pre-teens may develop a bunion at the base of his or her big toe. This bunion may cause pain and worsen over time if not properly cared for and addressed early on.
How is a Bunion Treated?
Bunions can become so painful that you might end up walking differently just to relieve the pressure. Because the MTP joint helps bear and distribute the weight of the body while standing, bunions can seriously affect the functionality of the foot.
To treat bunions, your doctor will traditionally begin with conservative treatment options designed to relieve pressure and restore function. The most common treatment options include:
Shoe choice: Choose shoes with wide insteps, broad toes, and softer soles, and avoid shoes that are pointy, tight, or narrow.
Custom orthotics: To relieve pressure from the affected areas, your doctor may recommend custom shoe inserts.
Forefoot products: There are also a few products like; bunion shields, night splints, or bunion bandages that may be prescribed to treat bunions.
Conservative approaches like these are designed to limit the progression of the bunion, relieve pain, and provide a healthy environment for the foot. For more severe cases, bunion surgery may be recommended.
Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists for a complete evaluation or call us at our offices conveniently located in Cherry Hill, N.J. and Ridley Park, PA. at (610) 522-9200.
HAMMERTOE
What is Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a deformity in the foot that causes the bending or curling of the toe in a downward rather than forward pointing fashion. This deformity is commonly the result of a muscle imbalance between the tendons on top and the bottom of the toe. Hammertoes can be flexible or rigid and they can affect some or all of the toes on the foot. Most cases of hammertoe are generally found to be on the second or third toe.
Women (more so than men) are more commonly diagnosed with hammertoe—this is usually a result of poor shoe choice. Hammertoes are typically known to worsen over time, so it’s important to seek medical treatment when they first begin to form. Hammertoe, like all foot pain, should not be ignored. It can become a serious problem—this is especially true for people with diabetes—that could affect your ability to walk.
Types and Causes of Hammertoe
There are two types of hammertoe: flexible and rigid. If the toe has mobility at the joint, it is considered a flexible hammertoe. This form of hammertoe is in the beginning stages of its development and can be reversed without surgery. If left untreated, your flexible hammertoe can become rigid ( no longer move on its own) and may require surgery.
Hammertoe develops due to an imbalance of the muscles in the toes, which typically results in increased pressure on the tendons and joints in the toe. While poor shoe choice is typically the main cause of hammer toe, other common causes include:
Heredity
Trauma
Arthritis
Other foot conditions (such as bunions or corns)
Treating hammertoe varies depending on the severity of your condition. To treat mild hammertoe, your podiatrist is likely to suggest adding padding or prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Flexible hammertoe can be corrected by simply wearing properly fitting shoes. Other treatments involve gently stretching the toes to relieve pain and reposition it.
If the toe has become rigid and is causing too much pain, your physician may choose to surgically remove the deformity. Surgery is performed to reposition the toe, remove deformed or injured bone, and realign tendons. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and rarely require extended downtime or time away from work.
Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists for a complete evaluation or call us at our offices conveniently located in Cherry Hill, N.J. or Ridley Park, PA. at (610) 522-9200.