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Bunion and Hammertoe Treatments

SCMSC Provides Comprehensive Bunion and Hammertoe Treatments

Watch Dr. Nazarian treat a patient with painful hammertoe using dermal filler.

Bunions

Bunions are bone deformations that form on the foot where it joins the big toe. They develop over time, gradually getting bigger and sticking out from the rest of the foot. Bunions are caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Many people are predisposed to developing them due to a weakened foot structure. Others may get bunions because of chronic stress on the big toe or a chronic condition like arthritis.
foot diagram showing the different causes of foot pain in a person with diabetes

Reduced blood flow and damaged nerves can result in ulcers, dry, cracked skin and other conditions in the feet of people with diabetes.

Did You Know…

Wearing the right shoes can help prevent bunions and stop existing ones from worsening? Shoes should never crowd the toes and should support the natural shape of your feet. For optimal foot care in the Los Angeles area, it is also wise to purchase shoes with a wide toe area, allowing plenty of space between the toes and the end of the shoes.

Bunions Q & A

The podiatrist at SCMSC in Los Angeles wrapping a foot in gauze suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer

Bunions can be identified by the large bump they cause at the base of the big toe. They may lead to complications such as hammertoe or bursitis if left untreated.

What are the Symptoms of a Bunion?

Bunions are easily identified by the large, protruding bump they cause at the base of the big toe. Usually, the big toe begins to angle away from the body, potentially leading to redness, soreness, swelling, and calluses.

Why Should I See a Los Angeles Foot Specialist About My Bunion?

Many people live with bunions for years without any problems. However, they may lead to complications, such as ‘hammertoe’ or ‘bursitis’ if left untreated. Schedule an appointment to meet with a podiatrist at our Los Angeles podiatry clinic if your bunions are worsening, causing chronic toe or foot pain, or if they are limiting your mobility. You may also wish to consult with a podiatrist about bunion treatment in Los Angeles if your bunions are a source of embarrassment or affecting your ability to find shoes that fit.

What Type of Bunion Treatments are Available in Los Angeles?

Not everyone who has bunions requires treatment. However, your Los Angeles foot specialist may recommend addressing the symptoms of bunions by first changing shoes or using foot orthotics that support the big toe in a ‘normal’ position. Steroid injections or over-the-counter medications may also be used to reduce inflammation and temporarily manage pain. In some cases, surgery at our surgical center may be necessary to relieve pain and restore the toe’s natural position.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot condition in which one or more toes are abnormally bent. These foot deformities occur as a result of injury or long-term wear of poorly fit shoes. Though anyone can develop hammertoe, it is especially common in women who have a second toe that is longer than the big toe. Over time, hammertoe may cause discomfort, pain, corns, calluses, and not to mention permanent stiffening of the tendon in the affected toe.
foot diagram showing the different causes of foot pain in a person with diabetes
Hammertoe is a foot condition in which one or more toes are abnormally bent. Hammertoe may cause discomfort, pain, corns, calluses and permanent stiffening of the tendon in the affected toe.

Did You Know…

Hammertoe may be prevented by wearing properly fitting footwear. For those seeking foot care in the Los Angeles area, it is important to choose shoes that are roomy near the toes allowing, at least, a half-inch of space between the shoe and the tip of the longest toe. Keep in mind that the risk of developing hammertoe increases with age, so selecting properly fitted footwear is even more important over time.

Hammertoe Q & A

The podiatrist at SCMSC in Los Angeles wrapping a foot in gauze suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer

Woman’s feet with hammertoe and bunions. Hammertoe is identifiable by the abnormal bend of the toes.

What are the Symptoms of Hammertoe?

Hammertoe is easily identified by the abnormal bend it causes in one or more toes. The bend is found in the middle joint and usually affects the toe closest to the big toe. The symptoms are very similar to mallet toe, which instead causes an abnormal bend in the joint closest to the nail. A Hammertoe may cause skin irritation, corns, and calluses, as well as chronic pain.

Why Should I See a Podiatrist in Los Angeles About the Condition?

Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at our Los Angeles podiatry clinic if hammertoe is making you uncomfortable or affecting your ability to walk. It is important to seek treatment while the toe is still flexible and more easily treated. Left untreated, hammertoe may progress to a permanent condition that requires more extensive treatment.

What Type of Treatments are Available to People with Hammertoe in Los Angeles?

Treatment for hammertoe may include the use of foot orthotics, as well as physical therapy exercises that strengthen and elongate the affected toe. When conservative treatment measures are ineffective, patients in Los Angeles may require surgical intervention at our specialty surgical center to treat hammertoe.

Make an appointment at SCMSC

We look forward to welcoming you

Don’t let bunion or hammertoe pain hold you back. If you are in the Los Angeles area, contact our Podiatry Department to schedule your consultation with our experienced foot specialist today and explore the comprehensive podiatry treatments we offer.

SCMSC front office staff in Los Angeles welcoming a patient for diabetic foot care