Hammertoe and bunions are two of the most common foot conditions in the United States. They both can cause discomfort, pain, and even difficulty walking if they get severe.
Though hammertoe and bunions are distinctly different problems, there’s often a connection between the two — especially when it comes to their development and impact on foot health. That means if you have one, you might be more likely to get the other.
Understanding the link between hammertoe and bunions can help you recognize early signs, seek treatment, and prevent further complications. Here’s what you should know, from our podiatric team at Legacy Foot & Ankle.
A hammertoe develops when one of your smaller toes (typically the second, third, or fourth toe) becomes bent at the middle joint, resembling the shape of a hammer. This condition is caused by an disproportion in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold your toe straight.
People get hammertoes for several reasons, including wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, foot structure abnormalities, or injury. People with longer second toes are more prone to hammertoe, as are those who suffer from other foot conditions like bunions.
Conversely, a bunion is a bony bump on the joint near the base of your big toe. When you get a bunion, your big toe pushes against your other toes, making the joint stick out and get enlarged.
Bunions develop over time, often due to inherited foot structure, wearing tight shoes, or standing for long periods. They can cause pain, swelling, and irritation, especially when wearing shoes. Over time, they can alter the alignment of your foot and lead to additional podiatric issues, like hammertoe.
It’s possible to have a hammertoe without bunions and vice versa. But bunions and hammertoes often come together because both conditions involve toe misalignment and abnormal foot mechanics.
When a bunion develops, your big toe is pushed out of its normal position and crowds your smaller toes. This crowding can force your smaller toes into unnatural positions and cause hammertoe.
Having a bunion can also exacerbate existing hammertoes. Since a bunion forces your big toe into an abnormal position, it can increase pressure on your smaller toes and worsen the muscle imbalance that causes hammertoe. Sometimes, a bunion can alter your gait and walking pattern so much that it can contribute to hammertoe formation, too.
For some people, hammertoes and bunions develop together due to underlying causes like foot structure abnormalities or genetics. Both conditions are more common in people with flat feet or high arches, as well as those who wear tight shoes, high heels, or shoes with narrow toe boxes.
Do you think you might have a hammertoe, a bunion, or both? Early intervention is key to preventing further complications, and our team is ready to help. Dr. Lisa Burson, Dr. Joe Aoun, and Dr. Michael Rose specialize in hammertoe and bunion care.
We start by examining your feet, discussing your symptoms, and reviewing your medical history. Depending on your situation, we might order medical imaging before making our diagnosis.
Both hammertoe and bunions are treatable, and we develop a customized plan to address your symptoms and improve your mobility. First, wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box can help reduce pressure on your toes and alleviate discomfort. Orthotic inserts can also help support your feet and correct imbalances that contribute to both conditions.
If your hammertoe or bunions cause significant pain or interfere with daily activities, medical treatment may be necessary. For hammertoe, nonsurgical options include stretching exercises, splints, or padding to alleviate discomfort. Bunion treatments range from shoe modifications to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
If you have both hammertoe and bunions, treating one condition may help improve the other. For example, addressing a bunion can relieve pressure on your smaller toes and reduce the severity of hammertoe.
Hammertoe and bunions are distinct — but often interconnected — foot conditions that can cause significant discomfort. If you think you might have one or both of these common issues, it’s time to get a professional evaluation. Call our offices in Bay City, Caro, and Lapeer, Michigan, or book online today.
