Guide To The Causes And Complications Of Bunions

Hammertoe

Another potential complication of bunions is hammertoe, which is a further deformity of the foot. Hammertoe is an abnormal bend in a toe's middle joint. With bunions, it tends to occur in the second toe due to the pressure of having the first toe pushed against it. Hammertoe can lead to further pain and pressure in the foot. The abnormal bend can add to the pressure individuals experience when they wear shoes, especially if the shoe doesn't have a roomy toe box. Hammertoe might make the toe look like it's curled or bent even when it's straight. Aside from bunions, hammertoe is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the muscles and tendons of the foot. Improperly fitting shoes can aggravate a hammertoe, but the pain tends to lessen once individuals have shoes that fit. Some patients might benefit from specialized orthotics.