What is the best thing you can do to treat hammer toes or bunions?

Depends: There are conservative measures and surgical measures for both conditions and you should discuss with a specialist what the best options for your case might be. The nature and type can vary based on physical examination.

Bunions: Bunions and hammertoes are progressive deformities that may result in pain , especially with shoe wear. Conservative options include using shoes with a wider and deeper toe box. Padding the areas may also provide relief. When these measures fail, consult with your foot and ankle surgeon who can discuss various options for surgical repair.

Variety of options: To treat symptoms, better shoes and supports. To treat the deformities, usually requires surgical intervention. Discuss with your foot specialists. Dr l.

Conservative/surgery: Treatment options for the management of bunions and hammertoes include conservative and surgical management. Conservative management options include use of orthotic devices, change in shoe wear, medications such as oral no-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids), steroid injections, padding of corns and calluses, and splinting and strapping.

Surgery vs. padding.: If you catch deformities in the early stages, smaller procedures to release tendons will often allow the toe to lie straight again. If the toe is rigid or the bunion is severe, the surgery is more involved. It's an outpatient procedure in an operating room, and can involve bone cuts, pins, screws, or other implants. Without surgery, your best bet is padding or injection to reduce your discomfort.