Key Takeaways
- Hammertoes cause the toe to bend downward at the middle joint, while bunions result in a bony bump forming at the base of the big toe.
- Both conditions can lead to pain, swelling, irritation, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear, but their symptoms and causes differ.
- Diagnosing the correct issue is essential, as hammertoes and bunions require different treatment strategies.
- Non-surgical care, such as orthotics, footwear changes, and padding, can relieve symptoms for both conditions; severe cases may require surgical correction.
- A foot and ankle specialist should evaluate persistent foot pain or visible deformity.
- OAA Orthopaedic Specialists provides expert podiatry and foot & ankle care for bunions, hammertoes, and toe deformities in Allentown, Bethlehem, Lehighton, New Tripoli, and surrounding communities. Schedule an appointment today for personalized treatment.
Understanding Hammertoes and Bunions
Foot pain can be challenging to diagnose on your own, especially when different conditions share similar symptoms. Hammertoes and bunions are two of the most common structural deformities that affect the toes and forefoot, yet they develop for other reasons and require different treatment approaches.
OAA’s board-certified podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating toe deformities, including bunions and hammertoes, using comprehensive conservative and surgical options.
Symptoms: Hammertoe vs. Bunion
A side-by-side comparison helps highlight how these two conditions differ.
Hammertoe Symptoms
Hammertoe primarily affects the middle joint of the toe, causing it to bend downward. Common symptoms include:
- A downward bend in the toe
- Pain when walking or wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses on the top or tip of the toe
- Toe stiffness or difficulty straightening the toe
- Irritation where the toe rubs against footwear
Bunion Symptoms
A bunion forms at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to enlarge and shift outward. Symptoms may include:
- A visible bump on the side of the foot
- Big toe drifting toward the second toe
- Pain or burning at the joint
- Swelling or redness around the big toe
- Trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably
Comparison Table: Hammertoe vs. Bunion
| Feature | Hammertoe | Bunion |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Middle joint of the toe | Base of the big toe |
| Appearance | The toe bends downward | Bony bump on inner foot |
| Common Symptoms | Corns, calluses, toe stiffness, pain | Swelling, redness, and shoe irritation |
| Cause | Muscle/tendon imbalance, tight shoes, trauma | Foot structure, genetics, arthritis, and footwear |
| Progression | Can become rigid over time | May worsen and push other toes aside |
| Treatment Options | Orthotics, padding, exercises, and surgery | Orthotics, shoe changes, padding, surgery |
Causes and Risk Factors
Although hammertoes and bunions are different conditions, many risk factors overlap.
What Causes Hammertoe?
Hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons controlling the toe become imbalanced, pulling the joint into a bent position. Contributing factors include:
- Tight or narrow shoes
- High heels
- Toe length differences
- Genetic foot shape
- Traumatic injury
- Arthritis or nerve conditions
What Causes Bunions?
Bunions develop when the big toe joint shifts out of alignment. Common causes include:
- Inherited foot structure
- Flat feet or abnormal gait
- Tight shoes or footwear that compresses the toes
- Arthritis
- Repetitive stress on the big toe joint
OAA podiatrists identify bunions and hammertoes as common toe deformities treated within their specialized podiatry program.
How Hammertoes and Bunions Are Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment. During an evaluation, a podiatrist at OAA Orthopaedic Specialists may:
1. Review Your Medical and Foot History
Your symptoms, footwear habits, and foot structure provide clues to the underlying condition.
2. Perform a Physical Exam
The specialist examines:
- Toe flexibility
- Joint alignment
- Areas of pain or swelling
- Presence of corns, calluses, or irritation
3. Order Imaging (If Necessary)
X-rays help determine:
- Joint damage
- Severity of deformity
- Whether arthritis is present
OAA podiatrists are extensively trained in diagnosing complex foot conditions, ensuring patients receive the right treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Hammertoes and Bunions
OAA Orthopaedic Specialists provides a full spectrum of conservative and surgical treatments for foot deformities.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many patients prefer hammer toe treatment without surgery, especially in the early stages. Non-surgical care can also help manage bunion symptoms.
Footwear Adjustments
- Choose wide toe boxes
- Avoid heels or narrow shoes
- Select supportive, cushioned footwear
Custom Orthotics
Orthotics help correct weight distribution, reduce pressure on deformities, and relieve pain—especially for patients with flat feet, tendon dysfunction, or abnormal gait patterns.
Custom orthotics are a core service offered by OAA’s podiatry team.
Padding and Protective Devices
For both conditions, padding reduces friction and prevents worsening irritation.
Toe Exercises (for Hammertoe)
Strengthening and stretching exercises can improve flexibility and ease pain:
- Towel scrunches
- Toe extensions
- Marble pickups
Callus and Corn Care
Podiatrists can safely remove painful corns or calluses caused by hammertoes or bunions.
Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative care is no longer effective, surgical correction may be recommended. OAA Orthopaedic Specialists provides advanced foot and ankle surgery for deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.
Hammertoe Surgery
May include:
- Tendon release
- Joint resection
- Joint fusion
- Implant or pin fixation
Bunion Surgery
Focuses on realigning the big toe and correcting bone position. This may involve soft tissue repair or bone realignment depending on severity.
A foot and ankle specialist at OAA can determine which procedure is appropriate based on imaging, pain levels, and deformity severity.
When to See a Specialist in Allentown, PA
You should schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist if:
- Foot pain limits daily activity
- You notice increasing deformity
- Shoes no longer fit comfortably
- Conservative treatments are ineffective
- Walking becomes painful or difficult
OAA Orthopaedic Specialists offers convenient locations in Allentown, Bethlehem, Lehighton, and New Tripoli, providing expert care for bunions, hammertoes, and all toe deformities.
Specialized Care for Bunions and Hammertoes
Hammertoes and bunions can significantly impact comfort and mobility, but the right diagnosis and treatment can restore your quality of life. OAA Orthopaedic Specialists offers comprehensive care, from conservative treatments to advanced foot and ankle surgery, tailored to your needs.
To receive personalized evaluation and treatment for bunions or hammertoes, schedule an appointment with OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, led by board-certified podiatrists and foot & ankle experts.
Request your appointment today and take the next step toward long-lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my foot pain is from a bunion or hammertoe?
A bunion appears as a bump at the base of the big toe, while a hammertoe causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint. A specialist can diagnose the condition through an exam and imaging.
What causes hammertoes and bunions to develop?
Hammertoes often result from tendon imbalance, tight shoes, or toe injuries. Bunions are commonly caused by inherited foot structure, arthritis, or chronic pressure on the big toe joint.
Can hammertoes or bunions be treated without surgery?
Yes. Orthotics, footwear changes, padding, and exercises can relieve pain and slow progression. OAA Orthopaedic Specialists offers customized conservative treatment plans for both conditions.
When is surgery recommended for bunions or hammertoes?
Surgery is considered when pain persists despite non-surgical care or when the deformity interferes with walking, shoe fit, or daily activities. OAA provides advanced surgical options tailored to each condition.
Which specialist should I see for bunion or hammertoe pain?
A podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist is best equipped to diagnose and treat these deformities. OAA’s board-certified podiatrists offer comprehensive care across multiple locations.
