Bunion & Hammer Toes

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle inward toward the other toes. Hammer toes occur when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a claw-like shape. Both conditions tend to worsen gradually over years and can make finding comfortable footwear increasingly difficult.

What causes them

A genetic tendency toward the condition is the biggest factor, but it is significantly worsened by tight, narrow or pointed footwear — a real issue with many fashionable shoes and sandals sold locally — as well as high heels, and joint conditions such as arthritis. Once a bunion or hammer toe begins to form, continued pressure from unsuitable shoes accelerates its progression.

Symptoms

A visible bump at the base of the big toe, redness or swelling over the joint, pain when wearing shoes, a corn or callus forming over a hammer toe from rubbing against the shoe, and in later stages, the big toe overlapping or crowding the second toe.

Our non-surgical approach

We focus on conservative management: footwear assessment and recommendations for wider, softer shoes; custom padding or spacers to reduce friction and pressure; gait and pressure analysis, sometimes combined with custom orthotics to redistribute pressure away from the affected joint; and guidance on simple exercises that may help maintain toe flexibility. While non-surgical care cannot reverse the bony deformity, it very effectively reduces pain and can significantly slow progression — for many patients this means avoiding or delaying surgery altogether.

When surgery may be needed

For severe, advanced deformities causing significant pain despite conservative care, we will discuss this honestly with you and can refer you to an appropriate surgical specialist.

Book a bunion or hammer toe assessment: 051-2287311 or WhatsApp 0333-5119317.