Finding Relief from Foot Deformities

Types of Foot Deformities

A few of the most common types of foot deformities we see in our office include:

Arch Abnormalities

Deviations in the standard shape of the arch are common. When the arch is too high or too low, the shift in forces it can cause can strain certain areas of the foot and/or make conditions such as sports injuries or plantar fasciitis more common.

In some cases, an abnormality in the shape of the arch does not present any symptoms. Treatment will not be necessary in these situations, but it is worth monitoring the condition over time—especially if the patient is a child. If and when problems begin to appear, they should be addressed as quickly and effectively as possible.

Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe. This is caused by a gait abnormality that causes the big toe joint to go out of alignment over time, and can cause the big toe to shift toward the second toe. In addition to pain and mobility problems, a bunion can also result in swelling, redness, corns, and calluses.

A bunion can also develop at the base of the smallest toe. This is often referred to as a bunionette or tailor’s bunion.

Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a bending of a toe at the first joint, known as the proximal interphalangeal joint. It causes the middle of the toe to point upward, creating a semi-triangular shape.

Hammertoes tend to start out flexible, and are more susceptible to treatment in this stage. As time progresses, however, they are more likely to become rigid and immobile. At that point, surgery tends to become the only effective form of treatment.