Bunions are inherited deformities that occur due to the movement and the shape of ones foot. Shoe gear and activity may accelerate and exacerbate the symptoms. Conservative measures include changes in shoe gear and the addition of orthotics to stabilize the movement of the foot, thereby preventing further drift of the bunion. Often times surgical intervention is needed if there is chronic pain to the joint or foot.
Hammertoes are deformities to the toes that may occur to the feet at any point. As like with bunions, the shape and movement of the foot may predispose one to these deformities. Wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow may cause hammertoes. Wearing shoes that are too flexible may also contribute to hammertoes. If the toe is flexible there are soft tissue rebalancing procedure that may be done in the office to correct these deformities. Sometimes a pin is used in the straightening of the toe.