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Did you know... Over 90% of deformities in the forefoot are caused by poorly-fitting shoes .
Causes
A bunion is a deformity of the great toe that angles towards the second toe, leaving a large, painful prominence on the inner border of the foot. A hammertoe is a deformity of the lesser toes, which develop a contracture of one of the knuckles and leaves a painful prominence on the top of the toe.
Both problems are often caused by unsuitable footwear.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bunions include:
- Swelling or enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe
- Movement of the big toe toward the other toes
- Tenderness over the bunion
- Red, calloused skin along the foot at the base of the big toe
The symptoms of a hammertoe include:
- A claw-like deformity of the toe
- Redness and swelling around the affected toe
- Corn and/or callus formation on the top of the toe where it bends and rubs shoes
- Callus formation on the sole of the foot
- Changes in gait or balance
Treatments
Bunions and hammertoes can often be treated with better fitting shoes and accommodative padding. Only painful deformities that do not respond to conservative measures require surgery.
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