Toe Parts & Common Foot Problems

There are countless common foot problems that afflict people each and every day, such as corns, blisters, athlete’s foot, plantar fasciitis, and many more, some of which can have an effect on toe parts in serious ways. The most basic toe parts include the bones themselves, such as the distal phalanges, intermediate phalanges, and proximal phalanges, with the big toe itself being referred to as the hallux. 

Each toe consists of its own set of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joints, all of which work in tandem to move and contract, allowing for greater balance as we walk. However, sometimes there can be a problem with the feet or toes that lead to other complications as well, such as the following.

Bunions

Bunions, also known as “hallux valgus,” are extremely common, affecting anywhere from fifteen to twenty-five percent of individuals. The condition causes a callused, boney bump to form on the side of the big toe joint. Generally, these occur from years of pressure on the side of the foot, often from ill-fitting footwear, which then causes the big toe—and sometimes the small toe—to take on an angled look. This can be extremely uncomfortable and cause redness, sores, and swelling to occur, but can be fixed with surgery.

Hammer Toes

Hammer toes can often be confused with claw toe and mallet toe, but they are all equally annoying to deal with. When tendons, ligaments, or muscles fail to work properly, the middle joint of the toe can become bent, inflamed, and distorted. This can happen due to genetics, wearing shoes that are too small, and as a result of a previous injury to the toes or foot. Having hammer toes can make it difficult to walk without wincing in pain or hobbling to the nearest seat, but with certain orthotics or surgery, it is fairly simple to manage or fix your toe parts.

Heel Spurs

Moving away from the toes, heel spurs are caused when an excess of calcium is deposited on the bottom of the foot between the arch and heel. This doesn’t always come with symptoms—in fact, many people do not even notice that they are living with them—but when the condition progresses enough, it can be very painful. The heel can often become inflamed and sore, causing your walking pattern to potentially alter. You might notice yourself putting more pressure on your toes and the balls of your feet in order to relieve some of it from your heels, which can have negative effects on your toes. These symptoms can be minimized by wearing comfortable insoles for your heels, but surgery is the only way to completely eliminate them.

No Matter The Condition, We Have The Solution

You may have noticed a recurring solution to many of these common foot problems. Whether you’ve been unlucky enough to develop heel spurs, hammer toes, or even bunions, surgery is the best way to have them safely fixed. At Northwest Surgery Center, we offer minimally invasive surgery which utilizes techniques designed to have you back on your feet much faster than traditional methods.

Are you ready to fix your foot ailment for good? We’re here to help. Let us know by contacting us today or calling our toll-free number at 800-873-1060 to learn more.