What are bunions and hammer toes?
A bunion is a bony prominence that develops at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment, sometimes becoming red, swollen or sore. A hammer toe is a toe that bends abnormally at a joint, which can rub in shoes and form corns. Both tend to develop gradually and can be influenced by foot shape, family history, footwear and how your foot functions.
How we help
We cannot reverse the bony changes of a bunion without surgery, and we will always be clear about that. What podiatry can do is help manage the symptoms and slow aggravating factors: relieving pressure, treating any corns or callus, advising on footwear, and providing padding, strapping or biomechanical support such as orthoses where appropriate. Our background in biomechanics means we look at how your whole foot is loaded. Where surgery may be worth considering, we can talk you through that as an option to discuss with an appropriate specialist.
When to see a podiatrist
Book if a bunion or toe deformity is painful, getting worse, causing corns or callus, or making it hard to find comfortable shoes. Earlier advice can help you stay comfortable for longer.
Why FootHealth Battersea
Specialists in biomechanics, HCPC-registered podiatrists, and realistic, pressure-free advice about conservative management.