Bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet oh my! I discuss common bone and structural deformities of the foot and ankle, and how they can be treated.
Bone Deformities of the Foot and Ankle
Bunions
A bunion is a very common cause of foot pain, and is a common deformity seen in all ages and activity levels. It is a complex foot deformity involving both bone and soft tissue (ligaments, tendons). Usually inherited from one’s family genetics, bunions have several underlying causes. The most common cause is due to having…
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are perhaps the most common foot deformity. Hammertoes are a deformity in which there is a contraction of the lesser toes (all the toes except the big toe). The toes begin to gradually curl into the ball of the foot. This can lead to painful corns, as well as pain with shallow shoe use. …
Tailor’s Bunion
Bunions are a well known and painful foot deformity involving the big toe joint. Less known, but no less important, is the Tailor’s bunion. A Tailor’s bunion is a foot deformity on the other side of the foot from a traditional bunion. In essence, a Tailor’s bunion (also called a bunionette) is either an enlargement…
Flat Feet
Flat feet are simply a normal anatomic variation of the human foot, as much as ‘normal’ or ‘high’ arches are. It is likely mostly genetic, and passed to our children. This variation is quite common, but does pose a unique challenge to modern humans, who tend to wear shoes most of their lives to protect…
High Arches
Although flat feet are more well known to cause foot problems, a high arch can also lead to unique foot problems. Often the problems associated with a high arch foot can be worse than than the more controllable flat foot type. Proper shoes and support are key to preventing these issues. High arches are due…
Extra Bones In the Foot That Can Cause Pain (Accessory Bones)
Did you know there is the existence of ‘extra’ bones in the feet that can potentially and directly cause pain in the feet? There are several of these, and they can all play a role in foot pain. The human foot has the potential to grow small round bones that are not a part of…
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