Big toes and bunions: a bunion is an enlarged bone on the side of the big toe that is angled outward. Depending on the severity of the bunion, the big toe may be angled mildly or sharply toward the other toes. Bunions often develop along with other foot problems, including hammertoes, corns and calluses. If neglected, a bunion can become painful and interfere with standing and walking.

Treatment options:

• Roomy and comfortable shoes.
• Self-adhesive cushions to ease painful pressure and friction.
• Shoe inserts (orthodic devices) prescribed by your podiatrist and molded to your feet to help improve foot function. .
• Medication such as corticosteroid injections and pain relievers for temporary relief of systems.
• Surgery (bunionectomy) to remove the bunion and realign the big toe.
  

The hammertoe connection: Often, a foot with a bunion will also have a hammertoe, which results when the bunion pushes the big toe under the second toe, raising the second toe into a claw-like position. Although the condition usually stems from a muscle

imbalance, it is often aggrevated by poor-fitting shoes or socks that cramp the toes. A hammertoe can also occur when a bunion is not present. Those with rheumatoid arthritis, high arches or a tendency to rotate their feet inward when walking are especially susceptible.

Treatment options:

• Shoes with a high "toe box".
• Protective pads or moleskin to cushion skin against painful pressure and rubbing.
• Shoe inserts (orthodic devices) prescribed by your podiatrist and molded to your feet to help your feet function better.
• Specially fitted or prescription shoes large nough to accommodate the hammertoe.
• Medication such as corticosteroid injections and pain relievers for temporary relief of symptoms
• Surgery to correct the hammertoes.
  

Combating corns and calluses: Corns and calluses are
your skin's way of protecting you. Hard layers of dead cells are
produced when skin is subjected to excessive pressure or friction,
such as one toe rubbing against the other. Unfortunately, the
thicker the "protective" corn or callus becomes, the more pain and burning it may cause as it increases pressure on living tissue underneath.
Corns tend to form on the toes while calluses usually form on the soles of the feet, but both can occur in either place."Soft" corns, usually found between the smaller toes, are corns which absorb and hold moisture. Corns and calluses are usually easy to identify. However, if you are unsure about the nature of a growth, see your podiatrist.