What it feels like
A bunion is a bony bump on the side of your foot, at the base of the big toe. Over time the big toe leans in toward the other toes, and the joint sticks out.
A hammertoe is a smaller toe that bends down at the middle joint, so it looks a bit like a hammer. It often shows up on the second, third, or fourth toe.
People with these problems often notice:
- A sore, red, or swollen bump that rubs inside your shoe.
- Corns or calluses on top of a bent toe, or where toes press together.
- Pain in the ball of the foot after a long day.
- A toe that gets stiff and harder to straighten.
- Trouble finding shoes that fit.
Common causes
Bunions and hammertoes usually form slowly, over years. Things that can play a part include:
- The foot shape you were born with. These problems often run in families.
- Shoes with a narrow, pointed toe box, or high heels that push your toes forward.
- The way your foot moves when you walk, such as flat feet.
- Muscles in the foot that pull out of balance over time.
- Arthritis or an old injury to the toe joint.
Shoes do not always cause the problem, but tight shoes can make it hurt more and get worse faster.
What you can try at home
Home care will not make a bunion or hammertoe go away. It can make your feet feel better day to day.
- Give your toes room. Pick shoes with a wide, deep toe box and a low heel. Shop later in the day, when your feet are a bit bigger.
- Cut down on rubbing. A soft, store-bought pad over the bump or bent toe can ease pressure.
- Ice. A cold pack for a few minutes can calm a sore, swollen joint after a long day.
- Rest your feet. Take breaks from standing when you can.
Do not cut corns or calluses yourself, and skip acid corn pads. They can hurt the skin and lead to infection.
When to see us
Make an appointment if:
- The bump or toe hurts even in roomy shoes.
- The pain keeps you from walking, working, or being active.
- A toe is getting stiff, or it crosses over another toe.
- You have a corn or callus that keeps coming back, or skin that looks red, broken, or infected.
- You have diabetes or poor circulation. Rubbing and pressure can turn into a sore quickly. Learn about diabetic foot care.
How we treat it
Most people start with care that does not involve surgery. Your doctor will look at your feet, your shoes, and how you spend your day. Your plan may include shoe advice, padding to ease pressure, and toe spacers or splints.
If a bunion or hammertoe still hurts after other care, or keeps you from doing daily things, your doctor will talk with you about whether surgery makes sense. Surgery is a choice you make together, not the first step.
What a visit looks like
- We listen. Your doctor asks where it hurts, which shoes bother you, and what you want to be able to do.
- We examine your foot. We check the bump or toe, how far the joint moves, and how you stand and walk.
- We look closer if needed. An X-ray can show the shape of the joint and how much it has shifted.
- You leave with a plan. You will know what shoes and padding to try, and when to come back.
It helps to bring the shoes that bother you most, and the ones you wear every day.
New here? Read what to expect at your first visit and fill out your new patient forms ahead of time.
Questions people ask
Will a bunion go away on its own?
No. A bunion is a change in the shape of the joint, so it does not go away by itself. The right shoes and care can often keep it from hurting.
Do toe spacers or splints fix a bunion?
They can ease pressure and make your toes feel better. They do not change the shape of the bone. Ask your doctor which ones are worth trying.
Is a hammertoe something I should worry about?
Not always. A hammertoe that is still flexible is often easier to manage. A toe that stays bent, or has a sore on top, is a good reason to come in.
Do I need a referral?
Some insurance plans need a referral and some do not. Check with your plan, or call us at (541) 385-7129 and we can help you find out.
See the insurance plans we accept.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own feet, talk with your doctor.