When you experience big toe pain, the cause may be a bunion or a painful hammer toe. The key to treatment for these conditions is understanding how they are caused and how to avoid making them worse.
A bunion is a big lump on the side of the toe. Not all toe bumps are bunions, but if you have pain, your toe is bending toward your other toes, and you have painful irritation on your first and second toes, you probably have a bunion. There are a few common causes of this complaint:
It is sometimes possible to relieve your discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and well-fitting supportive shoes, but ignoring a serious condition could lead to severe pain and the increased possibility of bunion surgery.
A hammer toe is similar to a bunion, but in this case, the toe is curved down rather than bending toward the other toes. A hammer toe (or mallet toe) often causes pain when you are walking or stretching your foot. Sometimes, the condition makes it impossible to move your toe. The causes of this condition are like those of the bunion:
Again, you can turn to home remedies, such as over-the-counter pads or cushions and shoes that fit well, for some relief. However, when the toe becomes very painful, the most effective hammer toe treatment may involve surgery.
At Greenville Foot & Ankle, we provide expert foot care, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and surgical solutions. If you have a bunion or hammer toe, you may choose corrective surgery for relief from misaligned bones and toes.
We accept many insurance plans and are an in-network provider for several insurance companies. Call us at 920-750-7900 to verify whether insurance coverage. You can also reach us at our contact page online.