Do you have deformities in your feet that cause you to hide them in closed toed shoes? No longer do you have to be embarrassed of unsightly growths or bumps. With proper treatment and diagnosis, you can live without painful foot deformities such as hammertoes, bunions and bone spurs.

Of all of the various foot problems, the most obvious deformities tend to be bunions, hammertoes and bone spurs. There are a variety of causes, symptoms and treatments associated with each of these conditions. With the onset of any foot deformities or pain, a visit to your local Brooklyn podiatrist may be in order.

When Bone Spurs Bring Pain

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, can occur anywhere in the skeletal system, but are often seen in the feet. These are characterized by overgrowths of the bone that can develop on any normal bone. More commonly, they form where two bones come together. Normally bone spurs are painless, but when exposed to pressure from activity or footwear, they can become severely painful. The pain is caused when the excess bone rubs against the other nerve endings or soft tissues, resulting in pain.

Some of the common causes of bone spurs in feet are:

High-impact activities, such as running
Excessive weight
Poor-fitting footwear
Tightening of the plantar fasciitis
Aging

There are no obvious symptoms associated with bone spurs, which makes diagnosis harder. Some people exhibit severe pain, while others do not even realize they have a bone spur. It is best to examine your feet on your own time, to see if there are any visible differences that could lead to further problems.

Walk Away from Hammertoe

Hammertoes are painful bone contractures of the toes and may be individual or they may be present on all eight lesser toes. Contractures may exist at either or both joints within the toes which may also be arthritis.

Additionally, there may also be side contractures where a toe may be rotated beneath an adjacent toe. Hammertoes may also often be associated with the development of bunions. Pain attributed to hammertoes can vary with the location, duration, shoe style, amount of activity and pain tolerance. The pain is frequently associated with a corn and although it is painful, it may not be the main cause of the problem. If the corn is trimmed, pain may lessen or stop temporarily. Although trimming alleviates the pain, it will not completely cure it. A corn will continue to develop until further treatment is sought from your podiatrist.

Bunion Treatment and Advice

A bunion is an abnormal, bony eminence that develops on the joint at the base of your big toe. As the big toe joint becomes enlarged, the toe is forced to crowd against your other toes. The pressure exerted on your big toe joint then results in inflammation and pain. Early treatment is necessary to decrease the risk of developing joint deformities.

Bunions develop from prolonged abnormal pressure or motion on the joint. This is most often caused by inherited structural defects, poor fitting shoes, injuries, or congenital deformities. Women generally are more prone to bunions than anyone else because of the shoe styles that are typically worn.

Pain associated with bunions can range from mild to severe. The pain can make it difficult to wear shoes and perform normal activities. Some symptoms that are associated with bunions include:

Frequent pain, swelling or redness
Restricted movement of your big toe
Enlarged visible bulge on your big toe joint
Irritation, corns, or calluses caused by an overlap of the first and second toes

If you exhibit any of these symptoms, a trip to your local podiatrist will be in order. The earlier you can receive treatment for bunions, the better. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the bunion. Some early treatments may include:

Wear comfortable shoes
Apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain
Apply padding to your foot to place it in its normal position and reduce the stress on the bunion.

When early treatments fail or the pain is persistent, it is recommended that you visit your podiatrist for examination.

Minimally Invasive Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery from your Brooklyn Podiatrist

Bunion and hammertoe surgery can be performed in the office or hospital, depending upon the circumstance and severity, with the use of local anesthesia. Occasionally, your podiatrist may utilize IV sedation by an Anesthesiologist.

Surgery is performed with a small medical instrument, allowing your podiatrist to perform the surgery without pins or screws. In the end, this results in less tissue trauma and faster healing for your feet. All you need to do is simply walk in and walk out!

The best choice for curing your bunion, hammertoe or bone spurs is to consult your Brooklyn podiatrist. With proper consultation and examination, your podiatrist will recommend the best form of treatment for your foot ailments. Remember, with every foot condition there may be a different procedure that would best suit your needs.