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Bunions typically refer the "bump" of bone on the inner aspect of the foot
behind the great toe. There exists a joint imbalance where the metatarsal bones
splay, but the big toe is forced in the opposite direction, which in severe cases
may cause the toe to move beneath the 2nd toe.
Another "bump" that is often called a bunion because of location is not caused
from imbalance, but arthritis. The arthritic bunion has more of an enlargement
toward the top of the foot, rather than the side. Occasionally altering the function
of the foot through orthotic devices or shoe changes can improve the symptoms.
Surgical intervention that can improve the structure of the foot is often definitive,
Regardless of the type of bunion, the procedures and recovery is often the same.
Hammertoes also arise from joint imbalance where the toes become bent leaving
a prominence on top of the toe. The prominence may or may not be associated
with a corn or callous, and can occur at either of the two joints located in the
toes. Pads and splints can be effective in some cases, whereas surgical
correction of the underlying deformity is usually curative. |
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