If you’re a fan of high heels, ballet flats, steel-toed boots, or any pair of shoes that might be a bit too snug – this article is for you! Regardless of whichever type of shoe is your favorite, almost any shoe has the potential to cause problems when they’re not truly right for your feet. Even if your shoes fit like an absolute dream, wearing any type of shoe for too long can result in discomfort for your feet and toes. Certain types of shoes, however, can make that discomfort worse. Centralized pain in any part of your foot isn’t normal, but when it’s felt in or around our toes, it can be difficult to decipher.

Two types of foot disorders that primarily affect the toes are bunions and hammertoes. Both conditions have a few similarities that can make it difficult to differentiate between these two issues. These similarities can include:

• Dull, aching pain in the affected toes.
• Pain or discomfort that worsens the longer you’re on your feet.
• Moderate to significant discomfort when wearing shoes.
• Scrunching or any visible changes in the arch or shape of the affected toes.
• Commonly caused by tight-fitting shoes or frequently wearing high heels.

 

While some of the similarities between these two conditions can make them difficult to tell apart from one another early on, their differences are much more prominent:

Hammertoe can affect all toes, while bunions can only happen to the big toe or pinky toe.

Hammertoe causes the tightening of tendons inside the toe to contract and strain into a scrunched shape, whereas bunions lead to the bone shifting and deforming and cause the toe to turn inward.

One of the best ways to fight back against either condition, even if you’re unsure of which one you might be developing, is to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist like Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, or Dr. Christine I. Tumele. With our top-notch care at Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C., your feet will be in the best hands around. Call your preferred location, in either Monroe or Lambertville, Michigan, to schedule an appointment with us.