From follows function, and our feet have a structure that allows for proper weight distribution and ease of mobility—when everything is designed as it should be, at least. 

When a foot deformity affects the shape of the foot, it can have big effects on the way our feet operate. That, in turn, can significantly reduce comfort and mobility—not just in our feet and ankles, but potentially in our legs, knees, hips, or lower back as well. 

Perhaps you have been living with a foot deformity for a long time; so long, in fact, that you might not believe anything can be done outside of reconstructive surgery. 

But that is frequently not true! No matter how long you have had a foot deformity, there is often something non-surgical you can do to significantly increase your comfort, stability, and mobility. 

COMMON FOOT DEFORMITIES AND THE PROBLEMS THEY CAN CAUSE

When it comes to foot deformities, the toes tend to be what most people think of first. That area is home to two frequent conditions: 

  • Bunions are caused by an instability in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe. This instability can cause the toe to shift, creating the classic bony bump along the inside of the foot and shifting the toe itself against its neighbors. 
  • Hammertoes are caused by an instability in the joints of the toes themselves, often creating a downward bend that causes toes to curl. Depending on which joints specifically are bending, you might also hear similar conditions such as claw toe or mallet toe. 

These kinds of deformities can cause pain in and around the affected joints, but may have additional effects as well. The friction of bumps against the inside of your shoe or other toes can create corns and calluses. You might also feel aches and pains in your feet and other parts of your body due to the way your body shifts its weight and muscle movements to accommodate for this structural imbalance. 

FLAT FEET AND HIGH ARCHES 

Another very common form of foot deformity is an abnormal shape of the arch, the area between the base of your toes and your heel. 

People with flat feet have an arch that is very low or does not exist at all. When they walk, the entire bottom of their foot usually touches the ground. 

Those who have high arches have an excessively pronounced arch. Less of their foot touches the ground when they walk than someone with a standard arch. 

These conditions are usually hereditary in nature and become apparent in childhood. However, it is possible for trauma and other conditions to result in a shifting of the arch in adulthood. 

People with arch deformities may experience pain due to excess stress being placed on certain areas of the foot. Some, however, live with flat feet and show no symptoms or problems whatsoever—and in that case will not require treatment. 

So what is the best approach to addressing these conditions when problems do arise? 

FINDING HELP FOR FOOT DEFORMITIES 

When it comes to helping people with bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, and other foot deformities, our main goal is not always to correct or “fix” the deformity itself.  

Surgery is a major step that not everyone should or may be able to take. Putting the foot back in a normal shape also does not always fix the weaknesses and instabilities that caused the deformities to progress in the first place. Your problem might just begin again with time. 

Our primary goals for all patients with foot deformities are: 

  • Address the symptoms being caused by the deformity, as best as possible. 
  • Take measure to help slow or stop the progression from becoming worse. 

In many cases, conservative methods can make significant progress toward both these goals! Such measures can include: 

  • Physical therapy, often in the form of exercises and stretches to strengthen supporting tissues around the deformed joint. 
  • Custom orthotics to help more evenly distribute weight across the foot and take excess pressure off trouble spots. 
  • Pads, toe separators, and other protective measures to help prevent corns, calluses, and sores. 
  • Changes in footwear to shoes that are more accommodating to the condition. 
  • Resting, therapies, and medications to reduce pain and/or swelling, when needed. 

If surgery does become a consideration (in other words, conservative methods aren’t effective), we will be sure to fully discuss the possibilities with you and answer any questions you may have regarding a potential procedure. 

Live Better with a Bunion, Hammertoe or Flat Feet

It is always best to identify and treat problems in their early stages. But no matter how long you have had a bunion, hammertoe, or other foot deformity, don’t resign yourself to believing you can’t make things better for yourself!

Call our Hopkinsville office at (270) 885-1203 to schedule an appointment with our office and take the first steps toward better relief today.