Bunions and hammertoes can be very painful. Over time, the toes begin to curl or turn inwards towards each other. This condition also causes significant swelling of the toes. While there are ways to correct bunions and hammertoes, when left untreated, these conditions can be painful and even make it difficult to walk or stand.

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Symptoms

Bunions occur when the toes are pinched together tightly from both sides. Over time, the toes will begin to swell and point inwards. In severe cases, the toes will cross and rest on top of each other. 

Hammertoes occur when shoes are too short or when the feet are pushed to the front of the shoes. Over time, the toes will curl downwards and place excessive pressure onto the joints. Swelling occurs here as well. Symptoms that are easily noticed include:

• Severe toe pain and discomfort, even when shoes are reasonably sized
• Chronic swelling of the big toes that does not improve with rest or medication
• Contracture of toe joints

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Correction

Bunions and hammertoes are painful and can require correction when left untreated. There are surgical options that can help to reduce or eliminate pain and help to re-shape the structure of the feet.

There are a variety of different corrective surgical procedures for bunions and hammertoes. The first step is to have a Podiatrist perform your bunion evaluation, to determine the mechanical cause behind your deformity, and if needed, how it is causing hammer toes to form. 

The surgery is an outpatient procedure, wherein patients return home on the same day, often walking the same day of surgery. The recovery time is typically two to three months, and is determined by which specific procedure is needed. 

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Reasons to Seek Correction

The treatment of hammertoes and the treatment for bunions is something that you should consider if you are experiencing chronic pain or discomfort from either or both conditions. 

When your feet do not function as they should, you will experience pain elsewhere in the body as well. This is because your balance, posture, movement, and stability depend upon your feet and ankles. Patients often are surprised by the improvements that bunion and hammertoe correction provide.

If you are having trouble walking, jumping, standing, running, or wearing certain shoes due to your bunions or hammertoes, corrective procedures will likely improve your overall health and wellness. 

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Aftercare

If you decide to seek correction for bunions or hammertoes, you should take great care to follow the recommended aftercare procedures. In doing so, you will ensure that your toes heal in the proper positions and that you do not suffer from complications after the surgery. Two or three months may seem like a long time, but the recovery time is nothing compared to a lifetime of pain and discomfort that these conditions can bring. 

With the proper corrective measures and aftercare, you will be able to do the things that you love to do without pain in your feet and other areas. Do not wait to correct your bunions and hammer toe issues. You will be grateful to be back on your feet again.

Are your bunions or hammertoes causing you pain? Diablo Foot and Ankle can help. Contact us today to get an appointment with our specialists. We are here to help you to get back on your feet.