{"id":9347,"date":"2022-04-04T16:59:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T23:59:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=9347"},"modified":"2024-10-09T13:29:37","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T20:29:37","slug":"hammer-toe-vs-bunion-what-is-it-and-how-to-treat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/hammer-toe-vs-bunion-what-is-it-and-how-to-treat\/","title":{"rendered":"Hammer Toe vs Bunion: What Is It and How To Treat"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dr. Jackie Sutera<\/span><\/p>\n

Hammer toe <\/span>and bunions are two common yet frustrating<\/span> foot <\/span>problems that can throw your whole stride out of sync. If you’ve ever dealt with that nagging pain in your toes or noticed an odd bump forming by your <\/span>big toe<\/span>, you know how quickly these issues can cramp your style\u2014literally. While hammer toes tend to make the <\/span>smaller toes <\/span>curl downward, bunions create that familiar bony bump on the side of the<\/span> big toe joint<\/span>. Both can cause discomfort and make finding comfortable shoes a challenge, but knowing the difference between a <\/span>hammer toe vs. a bunion <\/span>can help you take the first steps toward relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s explore what sets these two conditions apart so you can find the <\/span>best shoes for hammer toes and bunions<\/span> in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are Bunions?<\/span><\/h2>\n

What is a bunion<\/span><\/a>, and what causes them? <\/span>A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony prominence that develops on the base of the big toe joint. <\/span>Those with a <\/span>bunion deformit<\/span>y often experience <\/span>the big toe <\/span>pulling<\/span> toward the smaller ones. In turn, the <\/span>big toe <\/span>join<\/span>t at the base protrudes out in the opposite direction. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The bony protrusion can oftentimes become inflamed. Discomforts associated with <\/span>a <\/span>bunion deformity<\/span> range<\/span> from redness and mild soreness to swelling, persistent tenderness, and severe foot pain. Some people also have a difficult time moving their toes and the joint can become arthritic. Foot stress, genetics, foot deformities, and certain medical conditions all can make this <\/span>foot problem<\/span> worse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bunions are very rarely something people are born with, though some may be predisposed to developing the<\/span> toe<\/span> deformity<\/span> later in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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I recommend a visit to your podiatrist for X Rays, which will confirm if you have a bunion. This will also allow your doctor to evaluate the severity and recommend a proper individualized treatment plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Symptoms of bunions include:<\/span><\/h3>\n