Bunions
A bunion is a bump on the outside of the big toe, caused by an overgrowth of bone that sticks out at the base of the big toe’s joint. The skin over a bunion may be tender and swollen, and the misplaced joint may cause the big toe to angle towards the second toe, or to lie above or below it. Wearing tight, narrow, and/or high heeled shoes may be the cause of bunions, but heredity plays a part as well. Podiatrists will often treat bunions with a recommendation to wear shoes with a wide toe box and instep, soft soles, and pliable leather; padding to relieve stress on the joint; and orthotics to correct the mechanics of walking. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections may help to relieve pain, and surgery to correct the position of the big toe’s joint may be a last resort.
Hammertoe
A hammertoe is a toe that curls under the foot because the muscles and tendons in the toe are shortened and weak, causing the toe to contract. Heredity, trauma, arthritis, and too-tight shoes can cause hammertoes to form, and those with hammertoes can feel pain on the top of the toe when wearing shoes or in the toe joints when walking. Early evaluation and treatment by a podiatrist can prevent hammertoe from getting worse. Treatment may include padding, splinting, and taping the toes to relieve stress; anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections; orthotics; and in severe cases, surgery.
Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a condition sometimes called a “pinched nerve” and sometimes described as a sensation similar to having a stone in your shoe. It is actually a swollen or thickened nerve inside the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It causes pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. The cause of Morton’s neuroma is not exactly known, but it might form from high arches or flat feet that cause instability in the foot, trauma, shoes that squeeze the toes or high heels that increase pressure on the ball of the foot, or repeated stress or trauma. Visit a podiatrist at the first sign of pain, as neuromas tend to get worse without treatment.
Pronation
Excessive pronation is a biomechanical problem that occurs when a person’s foot rolls inward and the arch touches the ground while walking. It’s common in people with flat feet, because the flatness prevents the foot from acting as a shock absorber. Excessive pronation can cause stress on the plantar fascia ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, and lead to many painful conditions, such as bunions, heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. It can also result in pain in the knees, hips, and lower back. Shoes with extra cushioning and arch supports may help this condition, but orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist may be the best remedy.