Common Foot Problems: Bunions and Hammertoes

The years of abuse and thousands of miles walked on the average pair of feet can take a harsh toll both on the functioning of those feet and their appearance. Though we often take our feet for granted, these marvelously complex structures at the end of our legs will pay us back in time for wearing ill fitting shoes in the name of fashion. Bunions and hammertoes are two of the most common problems experienced with foot deformities that only increase in severity if not taken care of. The big, sometimes painful bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe is called a bunion. This condition typically develops over a long period of time often due to flat or flattening feet. It eventually results in the big toe being progressively drawn in towards the second toe, sometimes moving over the top or underneath it, with an increasingly pronounced bone protrusion on the side of the foot. Bunions aren't necessarily painful though rubbing against the shoe can cause discomfort. Eventually, painful arthritis can appear in the joint if the bunion isn't surgically repaired. Hammertoes are permanently bent, claw-like toe deformities that can result from a genetic predisposition and are often caused by ill fitting shoes, either flat or high-arched feet, or arthritis. Like bunions, hammertoes progress in severity over time and can create additional problems in the feet. They can become painful and require surgery to straighten the toes to their normal position. Surgical corrections of these foot problems have the benefit of reversing painful deformities while simultaneously enhancing the beauty of the feet. Talk to your podiatrist to learn about the latest techniques in foot health and beauty. ____________________________________________________________________ By Billings Farnsworth LA Beautiful is one of the best Los Angeles Podiatrist. Visit their website. (www.footbeautiful.com)