Bunion & Hammertoe Treatment Specialist

What is bunion treatment?

Bunion treatment is a group of procedures designed to relieve pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by a bunion –– a tough, bony bump that forms on the outer edge of your big toe. 

Bunions occur when the bones at the front of your feet move out of position. When that happens, the joint at the base of your big toe bulges outward, resulting in redness, swelling, and sensitivity.

What is hammertoe treatment?

Hammertoe treatment is a group of procedures designed to relieve pain and sensitivity caused by hammertoe –– a condition that causes one or more of your toes to stay bent in a claw-like position.

Hammertoe occurs because of an imbalance between the tendons and ligaments that help hold your toe straight. When caught early on, it’s possible to treat without surgery.

When should I see a specialist for bunion treatment?

Make an appointment at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center if you develop a large, bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe. That’s particularly true if the bump is red, sore, and stiff, or it affects your ability to work, exercise, or do other routine tasks.

Who is at risk of needing bunion treatment?

Bunions affect people of all ages and races, but several factors may increase your risk of needing treatment, including:

• Wearing high heels
• Wearing tight or narrow shoes
• Having rheumatoid arthritis
• Having an abnormal foot structure

Without bunion treatment, you’re more likely to experience other foot-related conditions, including hammertoe, bursitis, and metatarsalgia (a condition that causes pain in the ball of your foot).

What does treatment for bunions and hammertoes involve?

Before recommending a specific type of treatment for bunions or hammertoes, your provider at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Next, they physically examine your feet and toes, looking for signs of swelling, redness, or bruising.

Your provider can diagnose bunions and hammertoes through visual observation but might also order X-rays or an MRI to determine how best to treat them.

How are bunions and hammertoes treated?

Treatment of bunions and hammertoes depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Usually, Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center recommend conservative treatments, like:

• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
• Padding
• Custom orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Applying ice
• Toe stretches
• Toe strengthening exercises
• Physical therapy

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, your provider might recommend orthopedic surgery. If you have a bunion, surgery can realign the bones at the front of your foot. If you have a hammertoe, surgery can repair your tendons and ligaments, allowing your toe to lie flat again.

To learn more about the benefits of bunion treatment, make an appointment at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.