Bone, Muscle, and Joint
Problems
Bunions
and Hammer Toes
A bunion is an enlargement of the
joint at the base of the big toe. A bunion develops when the big toe bends toward
and sometimes overlaps the second toe. A hammer toe is a toe that bends up permanently
at the middle joint. These foot problems sometimes run in families. Both conditions
are usually irritated by wearing shoes that are too short or narrow.
Wear shoes with low or flat heels
and roomy toe areas. Tennis or
basketball court shoes are often best.
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| A bunion is a swelling caused by a misshapen
joint at the base of the big toe. |
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| A hammer toe is a toe that bends up permanently
at the middle joint. |
Make sure that your shoes fit properly.
Tight or high-heeled shoes increase the risk of bunions and hammer toes and
irritate the affected joint once a problem has already developed.
Once you have a bunion or hammer
toe, there is usually no way to completely get rid of it. Home Treatment will
help relieve discomfort and keep the problem from getting worse.
Wear low-heeled shoes that have roomy toe areas.
Cushion the bunion or hammer
toe with moleskin or doughnut-shaped pads to prevent rubbing and irritation.
Cut out the area over the bunion or hammer toe from an
old pair of shoes, and wear them around the house. Or wear comfortable
sandals that don't press on the area.
Try aspirin, ibuprofen, or aceta-minophen to relieve pain.
Ice or cold packs may also help.
If severe pain in the big toe comes on suddenly and you
have not been diagnosed with gout.
If your big toe starts to overlap your second toe.
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or peripheral vascular
disease. In people with these
conditions, irritated skin over a bunion or hammer toe can easily become
infected.
If pain does not respond to Home Treatment in 2 to 3 weeks.
If severe pain interferes with walking or daily activities,
you may want to consider surgical treatment. Surgery may not cure the
problem completely. The more information you gather about the risks
and benefits of surgery for bunions and hammer toes, the easier it will
be for you to make a wise health decision.
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