Bunions &
Bunionettes Bunions (also know as hallux valgus) are enlargements of the
joint at the base of the big toe usually caused by migration of the first
metatarsal bone. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing a lump
of bone on the foot. A bunionette occurs over the fifth metatarsal head (by the
“baby” toe) due to pressure from a shoe on the outside of the foot.
Bunions and bunionettes have many causes, including heredity, but tight shoes and high heels are the leading cause of painful bunions. Therefore, wearing wide, soft,
comfortable shoes should be the initial treatment of choice. When this fails and when the pain interferes with your lifestyle, surgical correction may be indicated. Surgery is not indicated for cosmetic reasons alone.
Corns A corn is a highly
concentrated callus that occurs at a pressure point, such as the top of the toe
or under a toe joint. A corn typically has a hard, waxy core, which bores down
into the skin and presses on the underlying tissue and nerves, causing extreme
pain. Corns are caused by a great deal of pressure or friction on the toes,
usually from ill-fitting shoes or high heels.
Often the site for corns is on the outside of the big or baby toes, since these are
the points where pressure occurs. Corns that form between the toes are called
soft corns, and they are not as firm as other corns because of moistness between
the toes. Corn pads should not be used between the toes for soft corns.
Severe or persistent corns should be treated by a doctor. Persons with diabetes,
atherosclerosis or other circulatory diseases should never treat a corn
themselves because of the risk of infection. Many acid preparations are available for
reducing corns. Acid preparations should not be used by diabetic patients and
are not advisable for individuals with impaired sensation or for the elderly
with thin skin.
Hammertoes Hammertoes, also
known as claw toes, mallet toes and curled toes, are all slight variations of
the same problem. They are toes that are bent in someway and not straight, and
therefore, rub on shoes or each other. They are often a painful foot ailment.
Women are most often the sufferers of hammertoes because they can be caused by
wearing high heels. High heels cause the foot to slide forward and push the tips
of the toes into the end of the shoe. The toes fold up into hammertoes.
Additionally, bunions (where the big toe leans outward) can push the second and
sometimes other toes into a hammertoe.
Although any toe may be affected, the second toe suffers most often. The effects of a
hammertoe are not limited to the toe. The toe bones forced back against the
metatarsals exert pressure against the center of the foot. The ball of the foot
is affected, calluses form and muscular cramps develop. Surgery is sometimes
required to correct this condition.
