Bunions, Hammertoes, and Ingrown Toenails

healthy living Bunions, Hammertoes, and Ingrown Toenails

the shape of the foot is determined by genetics, these conditions sometimes run in families. Both conditions are usually aggravated by wearing shoes that are too short, narrow, or high heeled. Prevention Proper footwear can help reduce the risk of bunions. • Wear shoes that give your toes A bunion is a swelling plenty of room to spread out. caused by a misshapen joint Make sure that your shoes fit at the base of the big toe. properly. • Wear shoes with a low or flat heel. Avoid high-heeled shoes, which put more pressure on the big toe (metatarsophalangeal) joint. Bunions and • Excessive foot pronation (rolling hammertoes in or flattening at the arch) may A bunion is a bony bump that be related to bunion formation. develops at the base of the big toe Foot orthotics (custom-made joint on the side of the foot. It is shoe inserts) can help to control A hammertoe is a toe that caused by swelling in the bursa, a foot pronation and may slow bends up permanently at fluid-filled sac that is supposed to down or prevent bunions from the middle joint. cushion the bone. The bump can getting bigger. Orthotics may grow slowly larger over time and also be helpful in reducing or cause the big toe to turn in toward eliminating the pain associated Home treatment the second toe. with bunions. However, they Once you have a bunion or ham - A hammertoe is a toe that bends up should not be expected to mertoe, there is usually no way to at the middle joint. Hammertoes reverse or improve the bunion completely get rid of it. The good typically worsen and become more or alignment of your big toe. news is that home treatment will rigid over time, particularly if left • Stretch the parts of your shoes help keep these conditions from untreated. that rub on painful areas. Look getting worse. for a shoe repair shop that • Wear low-heeled, roomy shoes Causes stretches shoes, or ask your that have good arch support. In most cases, the shape or struc - health care professional to rec - • Wear comfortable sandals or ture of your foot is the primary ommend one. shoes around the house that cause of both conditions. Because don’t press on the area.

HEALTH EDUCATION healthy living Bunions, Hammertoes, and Ingrown Toenails

• Cushion the bunion or hammertoe Causes • Wedge a small piece of wet cotton with moleskin or donut-shaped There are many possible causes of under the corner of the nail to pads to prevent rubbing and irri - ingrown toenails. Wearing shoes cushion the nail and keep it tation. Ask your local pharmacy that are too tight or cutting the from cutting the skin. for pads made specifically for toenail too short are both frequent • Repeat home care daily until the bunions. causes. A tendency to get ingrown nail has grown out and can be • Try aspirin, ibuprofen, or aceta - toenails may sometimes be heredi - trimmed. minophen to relieve pain. Ice or tary. Nail conditions, such as a • Don’t apply over-the-counter cold packs may also help. fungal infection or trauma to the antibiotic ointments because Surgery, as a last option, may be nail can also cause the nail to they can slow down drainage of helpful if home treatment does grow improperly. the ingrown nail. not relieve pain. There are different types of surgery for bunions and Prevention Call Kaiser Permanente if: hammertoes. Ask your doctor • Cut toenails straight across so the • Signs of infection develop, which surgery is best for you. edges cannot cut into the skin. including: Leave the nails a little longer at - increased pain, swelling, Call Kaiser Permanente if: the corners so that the sharp ends redness, or tenderness • You have sudden, severe pain in don’t cut into the skin. - heat or red streaks extending the big toe. from the area • Pain does not respond to home - discharge of pus treatment in two to three weeks. - fever of 101 degrees or higher • Severe pain interferes with walking with no other cause or daily activities. • You have diabetes or circulatory • The big toe begins to overlap problems the second toe. • You see signs of infection such Other resources as spreading redness, increased swelling, severe pain or drainage. Cut toenails straight across. • Connect to our Web site at kp.org Irritated skin over a bunion or to access health and drug ency - clopedias, interactive programs, hammertoe can lead to serious • Wear roomy shoes and keep health classes, and much more. infections in people with dia - your feet clean and dry. • Contact your Kaiser Permanente betes or poor circulation. Health Education Center or Home treatment Department for health information, Ingrown toenails • Soak your foot in warm water programs, and other resources. for 15 minutes 3 to 4 times a An ingrown toenail is a nail that day to help relieve swelling or grows into and cuts the skin at the tenderness while toenails grow out. edge of the nail. Because the cut can easily become infected, prompt care is needed.

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your physician or health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist.