Treatment Options for Bunions and Hammertoes

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At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, toe deformities are among the conditions we treat most frequently. During the fall months, we often see more patients complaining of increased pain from bunions and hammertoes. These are progressive conditions, which means they will get worse over time. After the summer season ends, however, there’s another reason many patients experienced increased discomfort from these deformities. Saying goodbye to open shoes and sandals and beginning to transition to falls styles which tend to be more closed, can put more pressure on sensitive areas.

Is it Time for a New Plan?

If you’ve noticed an increase in your bunion or hammertoe pain, the first step is making an appointment at our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 so our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, can examine your feet. The foot doctor may also take x-rays to evaluate how your bunion or hammertoe has progressed. Some conservative treatment options the podiatrist may use include:

  • Padding to protect vulnerable spots on the feet from friction caused by footwear

  • Custom orthotics to help better distribute weight and reduce the pressure that is causing the deformity

  • Medications and icing to reduce pain and inflammation

The right choice for you will depend on your unique deformity and the severity of your pain.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

If the foot doctor has exhausted conservative measures for relieving bunion or hammertoe pain, it may be time to consider surgery. Our practice specializes in minimally invasive surgery for these conditions, which uses an instrument slightly larger than a pen point to make an incision only about 1/8 – 1/4 inch long. Some advantages of this type of surgery include:

  • Can offer a permanent cure for bunions and hammertoes

  • Done in-office

  • Performed under local anesthesia

  • Very short recovery—usually one day off your feet after surgery

If you’d like to learn more about minimally invasive surgery and if it might be right for you, contact us today.

Bunions, toe painPasco-Hernando Foot & Anklebunions, hammertoes, custom orthotics, toe pain, toe deformities