FOOT CARE

FAQ Foot care:

Read some of the most common foot care related questions.

• Are bunion correctors safe? Yes, bunion correctors like splints and toe separators are generally safe. They can provide temporary relief by aligning the toes.
• Can bunions be corrected? Bunions cannot be fully corrected without surgery. While non-surgical methods like wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, or orthotics can relieve pain, surgery is the only definitive way to straighten the toe and remove the bunion​.
• Can bunions cause knee pain? Yes, bunions can cause knee pain by altering foot mechanics, which affects walking patterns and can lead to stress on the knee joints​.
• How do bunions happen? Bunions develop due to the misalignment of the big toe joint, often caused by factors like genetics, improper footwear, or foot injuries. Over time, this leads to a bony bump on the side of the foot​.
• When do bunions hurt? Bunions usually hurt when wearing tight or narrow shoes, or after long periods of walking or standing. The pain can come from swelling, rubbing, or inflammation around the joint​.
• Will bunions go away? No, bunions do not go away on their own. Without treatment, they may get worse over time, but pain can be managed through non-surgical methods, like bunion cushions, toe separators that help realign the toes. Surgery is required to correct them permanently​.
• Why does metatarsal pain occur? Metatarsal pain, or pain in the ball of the foot, is often caused by excess pressure on the bones of the foot due to improper footwear, bunions, or foot deformities. It can also result from conditions like arthritis​.
• How do hammer toes develop? Hammer toes develop due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. This can be caused by wearing tight shoes, injury, or a genetic predisposition​.
• Can hammer toes be fixed? Hammer toes can often be treated non-surgically in the early stages using  hammer toe cushions, stretches, toe exercises, and properly fitting shoes. However, severe cases may require surgery to correct the deformity​.