Bunions, Clawed Toe & Hammer Toe

Overview

A bunion, also known as Hallux Valgus, is a deformity of the big toe in which, the big toe excessively deviates towards the second toe. This leads to a bony lump on the side of the foot. When the big toe is no longer straight,  and is leaning towards the second toe, it causes the remaining toes to also become deformed. This is then known as clawed and hammer toes. Bunions can caused by age, genetics, footwear, arthritis, playing sport, or underlying foot problems.

Symptoms

Due to the developing deformity, it can be difficult to fit into normal footwear. As bunions lead to hammer and clawing of the other toes, this can result in corn, blister and callus production. As the pressure distribution has been disrupted, generalised foot pain is also very common.

Treatments

By carrying out a Biomechanical Gait Analysis Assessment, your podiatrist may recommend stretching and/or orthotics, as well as provide you with footwear advice.

These are all conservative measures and, although they may help relieve symptoms, there is no evidence they can correct the underlying deformity.