BUNION

BUNION

Bunion is characteristically a hallux valgus deformity which affect the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The 1st metatarsal bone deviates medially & the 1st phalange deviates laterally. Sometimes it is accompanied with inflammation of the 1st MTP joint. 

Bunion is most commonly seen in individuals with flat feet owing to their over pronatory walking pattern. Bunion deformity implicates that there is excessive pressure exerted on the forefoot region. if left uncorrected the deviation keep progressing & results in over lapping of the great toe & 2nd to deu to progressive weakening of the transverse arch.

Symptoms:

• Redness and inflammation over the great toe either unilaterally or bilaterally.
• Deviation of great toe away from the body.
• Pain and discomfort over great toe while walking.
• Hard skin or callus over great toe.

                                                            Treatment:

• Orthotics to redistribute the pressure evenly & thereby reduce the pressure coming over toes.

• Use of Bunion/ Hallufix night splint to prevent further deterioration & overlapping of toes.

HAMMER TOES

Hammer toe is a deformity which affects the second, third, fourth & fifth digit resembling a hammer. It affects both the proximal & distal interphalangeal joint.

It occurs most commonly due to ill fitting or improper size of shoes. While buying shoes people consider only the length variable & do not pay attention to the width of the shoe. Hence they end up buying shoes which are narrow or too long. In addition while buying shoes we usually consider the length of the great toe as it is the longest but in some cases the other toes are longer than the great toe. Hence the longer toe is always cramped inside the shoe. This is another other important factor that leads to hammer toe deformity. 

The digit that undergoes this deformity is also susceptible to problems such as pain & inflammation, corns & calluses & infection.

Therefore it is extremely important to take the advice of your podiatrist while buying shoes.