← What we treat

Bunions and Hammertoes

A bunion is a bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. It forms as the big toe gradually drifts toward the other toes and the joint behind it pushes outward. A hammertoe is a toe that stays bent at one of its middle joints, so the top of the toe rubs against the inside of the shoe.

Both tend to develop slowly over years. Foot structure and family history play a large role, and shoes with a narrow toe box or a high heel can make them more painful. They often show up together, since a drifting big toe can crowd the smaller toes next to it.

What your visit looks like

Your visit starts with an exam of the foot and how you walk, and X-rays are taken here in the office to see how far the joint has shifted and whether arthritis is involved. That tells us how to treat it and what to expect over time.

Most bunions and hammertoes are managed without surgery. Depending on what is causing the pain, that can include shoes with more room in the toe box, padding, toe spacers or splints, custom orthotics to improve how the foot works, and treatment to calm an inflamed joint.

When surgery makes sense

Surgery is considered when pain continues despite good conservative care, or when the deformity keeps you from wearing normal shoes or doing the things you want to do. Dr. Jones recommends exhausting conservative care first. If surgery is worth considering, we will talk through the options and the recovery so you can decide whether it makes sense for you.

When to come in

A bunion or hammertoe that is painful, red, getting worse, or making shoes hard to wear is worth having looked at. Care will not reverse the shape of the joint, but it can often keep you comfortable and help you avoid the corns, calluses, and irritation that come with it.

If you are diabetic or have neuropathy, pressure from a bunion or hammertoe can lead to sores that are easy to miss, so it is worth having your feet checked.