Here are some of the more commonly treated conditions. Bunions are mis-aligned great toe joints in which the great toe angles toward the other toes, and there is a prominent bump on the outside of the toe joint. The hump of the great toe joint can become swollen, tender and painful. Bunions tend to have a genetic component, but narrow shoes can aggravate he condition. There are conservative and preventive steps that can minimize the discomfort of a bunion, but surgery is sometimes recommended to correct the deformity.
Hammer toes are a condition in which any of the toes are bent in a claw-like position.
Although the condition usually stems from muscular imbalance, poorly fitting shoes that cramp the toes often aggravate the deformity. Avoiding pressure on the toes can reduce some pain. Surgery can be recommended to permanently realign the toes to their proper position. Heel spurs are growth of bone on the bottom of the heel bone. Pain results when inflammation develops at the point where the spur forms.