What Is Morton's Neuroma? - Feet First Clinic

Written by Bianca Charles on September 6, 2019

Last updated March 28, 2026

Medically reviewed by Serena Stefanatti, D. Ch.

Have you walked around downtown Toronto with the feeling that you have a pebble stuck in your shoe? It can turn into a persistent nuisance that negatively impacts your daily exercise or routine. If this sounds like you, you may be experiencing a nerve compression syndrome which affects the nerves located at the base of the toes, called a neuroma.

The most common nerve to be affected is the one found at the ball of the foot, between the third and fourth toes. This nerve is naturally thicker than the rest, putting it at higher risk of developing a neuroma. A neuroma at this specific location on the foot is called Morton’s Neuroma. Irritation of the nerve at this location causes the nerve to enlarge or swell, making it more vulnerable to compressive stresses.

What Are The Symptoms Of Morton’s Neuroma?

Localized pain that radiates to the toes when wearing shoes or while walking.
Feeling like you’re walking on a pebble.
Numbing, tingling, or burning sensation in your foot and feeling like you have to take off your shoes to rub it for relief.
Sharp pain in your foot.
Pain that radiates from the ball of your foot to your toes.

pexels-artem-beliaikin-1230665 — Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels – Thank you!

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

It is very likely that the cause of your neuroma is poor foot mechanics, with the most common one being overpronation. Overpronation is the involuntary act of rolling the ankles towards the arches as one walks. As the foot pronates more than it should, the metatarsals also move more than they should. This leads to compression and subsequent irritation of the nerves, resulting in pain and inflammation.

How Can I Treat Morton’s Neuroma?

Your goals should be to:

Remove pressures from the area of concern.
Allow the nerve to heal.
Prevent future incidences of discomfort.

In summary, overhauling your footwear can make the biggest difference. Booking an appointment with a qualified foot specialist is a great next step. A chiropodist will perform a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis to identify the root cause of your Morton’s neuroma. From there, they can assess your foot type, evaluate your walking pattern, and recommend appropriate footwear.

If underlying biomechanical issues are present, custom-made orthotics may be prescribed to improve foot mechanics, control pronation, and redistribute pressure away from the neuroma. These often include features like a metatarsal dome pad, which helps relieve nerve pressure by gently splaying the metatarsal bones.

For more immediate relief, over-the-counter metatarsal pads can be added to your existing insoles. Choosing shoes with a wider fit, a roomy toe box, and a lower heel can also significantly reduce discomfort and help prevent symptom flare-ups.

Finally, if more conservative treatments aren’t providing relief, ultrasound-guided steroid injections may be considered. This involves delivering a corticosteroid (a powerful anti-inflammatory) directly to the affected area while using ultrasound imaging to precisely target the nerve. By placing the medication exactly where it’s needed, this approach helps reduce inflammation around the nerve and can provide relatively fast, effective pain relief.

Your Solutions Live Here!

If you think you may have Morton’s Neuroma, we can help. All under one roof! Our team is trained to handle any and all your foot health concerns. Not to mention a variety of footwear options are available for purchase at our downtown Toronto foot clinic! Call us to ask about actionable steps towards your solution today!

Call us at 416-769-FEET (3338) or Book Your Assessment Today!

About Author: Bianca Charles

With 15 years of dedicated experience in podiatry, Bianca Carter offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise at Feet First Clinic. Throughout her career, Bianca has worked closely with leading chiropodists, continually deepening her understanding of all aspects of foot care.

Learn more about Bianca Charles

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April 16, 2026

Do Toe Spacers Work?

Toe spacers are everywhere right now—from physiotherapy clinics to fitness influencers promoting “natural foot alignment.” But do toe spacers actually work, or are they just another trend? The short answer: yes, but with the right expectations. Let’s break down what toe spacers do, who they help, and how to use them effectively. What Are Toe Spacers? https://youtu.be/mK4pz6Pmjzo?si=1CWQoSiUZu7xhEpN Toe spacers (also called toe separators or toe aligners) are small devices placed between your toes to gently spread them apart. Most are made from silicone or gel and come in various sizes and designs, from simple separators to full forefoot alignment tools. They’re designed to reverse the effects of: Tight, narrow footwear Prolonged standing or walking Muscle imbalances in the feet Progressive toe deformities Over time, these factors can cause your toes to crowd, overlap, or shift out of their natural position. Do Toe Spacers Actually Work? Yes—but with realistic expectations. Toe spacers work by gradually encouraging your toes back toward their natural alignment. This can reduce pressure, improve muscle activation, and enhance overall foot function. Benefits of Toe Spacers When used consistently, toe spacers can: Relieve pressure and painSeparating the toes reduces friction and pressure points, especially between overlapping toes. Improve toe alignment (to a degree)They can help slow progression and mildly correct early deformities. Support bunion managementBy spacing the big toe away from the second toe, they reduce stress on the joint. Enhance foot muscle engagementToe spacers allow intrinsic foot muscles to activate more naturally during movement. Improve balance and stabilityA wider toe splay increases your base of support. What Toe Spacers Cannot Do This is where expectations matter most. Toe spacers cannot: Permanently reverse advanced bunions or rigid hammertoes Replace custom orthotics when biomechanical issues are present Deliver instant or dramatic structural changes Think of them as a supportive tool, not a cure. Conditions That Benefit Most from Toe Spacers Toe spacers are most effective in early or mild cases of: Bunions (hallux valgus) Hammertoes and claw toes Overlapping or crowded toes Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) Corns and calluses caused by friction They’re also popular among runners and gym-goers looking to improve foot strength and alignment. How to Use Toe Spacers for Best Results Using toe spacers properly makes a big difference in outcomes. 1. Start Gradually Begin with 10–15 minutes per day, especially if your toes are stiff or sensitive. Increase wear time slowly as your feet adapt. 2. Wear Them in the Right Setting Barefoot at home With wide, foot-shaped shoes Avoid tight footwear, which cancels out the benefit 3. Be Consistent Like stretching, results come with daily, long-term use—not occasional wear. 4. Combine with Foot Exercises Toe spacers work best alongside strengthening and mobility work, such as: Toe splaying exercises Towel scrunches Calf and plantar fascia stretches 5. Listen to Your Body Mild discomfort is normal at first, but pain is not. If something feels off, reduce wear time or reassess fit. Are Toe Spacers Safe? For most people, yes. However, there are a few precautions. Use caution if you have: Diabetes Poor circulation Nerve damage (neuropathy) Open wounds or skin irritation In these cases, it’s best to consult a foot specialist before use. How Long Does It Take to See Results? Results vary depending on the individual and condition severity. Short-term (days to weeks): Pain relief and reduced pressure Medium-term (weeks to months): Improved flexibility and toe mobility Long-term (months+): Subtle alignment improvements and better foot function Consistency is everything—think of it as retraining your feet over time. Are Toe Spacers Worth It? If you’re dealing with mild toe misalignment or foot discomfort, toe spacers are a low-risk, affordable, and effective tool. However, if your condition is more advanced or painful, they should be part of a broader treatment plan that may include: Custom orthotics Footwear changes Professional foot care In some cases, minor procedures The Bottom Line Toe spacers do work—but they work best as part of a consistent foot care routine. They can relieve pain, improve toe positioning, and support healthier foot mechanics over time. The key is using them properly, staying consistent, and understanding their limitations.

April 2, 2026

Flexor Tenotomy – A Solution for Hammertoes & Clawed Toes

Toe deformities like hammertoes and clawed toes are more than just cosmetic concerns—they can significantly impact your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Whether it’s difficulty finding shoes that fit, pain while walking, or the development of corns and calluses, these conditions can become increasingly problematic over time. Fortunately, modern foot care offers effective solutions. One such solution is the flexor tenotomy, a procedure designed to correct toe deformities and restore normal function with minimal downtime. Understanding Hammertoes and Clawed Toes Hammertoes and clawed toes are common deformities of the toes caused by imbalances in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally keep the toes straight. Hammertoe: The middle joint of the toe bends downward, creating a hammer-like appearance. It often affects the second, third, or fourth toes. Clawed Toe: The toe bends at both the middle and end joints, giving it a claw-like appearance. This deformity can be more rigid and uncomfortable. These conditions can lead to pain, corns, calluses, difficulty walking, and challenges finding comfortable footwear. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, high heels, muscle imbalance, arthritis, and genetics. Conservative Treatments Before surgery, mild hammertoes and clawed toes can sometimes be managed with: Footwear modifications: Wide-toe box shoes and avoiding high heels. Toe splints or orthotics: Help realign the toes and reduce pressure. Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises for toe muscles. However, if the toe becomes rigid or painful, surgical options like flexor tenotomies may be the most effective solution. What is a Flexor Tenotomy? A flexor tenotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that releases the flexor tendon causing the toe to bend. It is usually performed under local anesthesia and involves only a tiny incision, allowing the toe to straighten naturally. This procedure can correct flexible and semi-rigid hammertoes and clawed toes (meaning that the toe can be manually straightened) without the need for more invasive surgery. It is not suitable for hammertoes or clawed toes that cannot be manually straightened (rigid hammertoes). Benefits of Flexor Tenotomies Minimally invasive: It involves a tiny incision with low risk of complications. Fast recovery: Most patients walk immediately and resume daily activities quickly. Pain relief: Reduces pressure on joints, corns, and calluses. Prevention of future complications: Especially important for diabetic patients at risk for foot ulcers. Who is a Candidate? Flexor tenotomies are best suited for patients with: Flexible or semi-rigid hammertoes and clawed toes Pain, discomfort, or skin irritation caused by toe deformities No severe arthritis or joint damage in the affected toes A chiropodist or foot specialist can evaluate the severity of the deformity and recommend the most appropriate treatment. The Procedure During the procedure: A tiny incision is made at the base of the affected toe. The flexor tendon is carefully released. The toe is gently straightened and bandaged. Post-procedure, most patients are allowed to walk immediately, sometimes using protective padding or special footwear. Recovery and Aftercare While a flexor tenotomy will help loosen the affected tendon and straighten the toe, it will not correct the underlying cause of the deformity. Flexor tenotomies are thus best used in conjunction with custom orthotics to correct any biomechanical issues, as well as proper fitting, supportive shoes. Conclusion If you have hammertoes or clawed toes, a flexor tenotomy offers a safe, minimally invasive solution that can relieve pain, restore toe alignment, and improve your ability to walk comfortably. Early intervention can prevent corns, calluses, and other complications, especially in patients with diabetes or mobility issues.

March 26, 2026

What to Expect in a Foot Treatment: A Sneak Peek of Your First Visit at a Foot Clinic

You’re having some problems with your feet. Maybe it’s a painful ingrown toenail or heel pain or even a stubborn wart that won’t go away, and you made an appointment with a Registered Chiropodist at your local foot clinic. The appointment is approaching and you’re feeling a little anxious because of the unknown, unfamiliar territory you will be encountering. What will happen? What do I have to bring? Will it be uncomfortable? Here is a quick read on what to expect at your first appointment at a foot clinic to help you calm those nerves. Before Your Appointment Before your visit, we recommend checking your insurance coverage. Chiropody visits are covered under most insurance plans with extended health benefits, and knowing what your covered for ahead of time will ensure a smooth process. In addition to checking your visit coverage, it's a good idea to also check your coverage for orthopaedic devices in case any are recommended. You'll also be sent an online intake form to fill out before your appointment. Completing the intake form before your appointment will make check-in faster on the day of your appointment. If you're unable to complete the intake form before your appointment, we recommend arriving 10 minutes early to leave enough time for filling out the form at the clinic. For your intake form, you will provide a list of your medications, note any allergies you may have, and document any relevant medical history. Providing as much detail as possible to your health care provider will help build a complete picture, so they can make an informed diagnosis and come up with the best treatment plan. At Your Appointment Once you arrive to your initial appointment, you will likely be greeted by the receptionist and checked in. You will then be escorted to a treatment room where a chiropodist will ask you to remove your shoes and socks and voice your concerns with your feet. After this, the chiropodist will take a look at your feet and carry out the necessary assessments to determine a differential diagnoses. Depending on the reason for your visit, the chiropodist will check for the following: Circulation or blood flow to your feet Neurological status Changes to or concerns with the skin and toenails (if your visit is for foot care) Biomechanical abnormalities (i.e. limited or excessive range of motion in joints, areas of pain, overpronation, flat feet, etc) - if your visit is for foot pain. After the assessment, the chiropodist will explain his or her findings and propose a treatment plan. Treatment will only commence with your consent. In general, treatment is usually painless. In fact, more often than not, if you enter the appointment with pain or discomfort, you will leave relieved of that pain. Finally, although it may seem unusual to you to have someone look at or touch your feet, know that it is second nature to the Chiropodist. Your chiropodist would have seen numerous amounts of feet, all of different shapes, colours, and sizes, and encountered a variety of foot concerns. So don’t be embarrassed, and don’t be afraid to receive the care you need. After Your Appointment After your appointment, the receptionist will book your next visit and cash you out. You may also wish to purchase any recommended foot products or devices to help maintain your feet between visits. This can range from footwear, to foot cream, to toe devices. Whatever you need, our staff can help you find the right product for you that aligns with the chiropodist's recommendations. After that, it's then important to follow through on the chiropodist's recommended treatment plan. Whether it's stretches, moisturizing daily, or wearing the right shoes, taking care of your feet between appointments is super important to keeping your feet healthy. And that's it! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

March 5, 2026

Ultrasound-Guided Injections for Foot and Ankle Pain: What You Need to Know

What Are Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections? Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections are a precise, minimally invasive way to treat chronic foot and ankle pain. They combine corticosteroid medication—commonly called cortisone—with ultrasound imaging to target the exact area of inflammation. Unlike “blind” injections, which rely on anatomical landmarks and the clinician’s feel, ultrasound guidance allows a podiatrist or chiropodist to see the tissues in real time. This ensures the cortisone reaches the injured tendon, ligament, joint, or nerve exactly where it’s needed. This combination of precision and anti-inflammatory medication makes the treatment highly effective for conditions like: Plantar fasciitis Achilles tendonitis Ankle arthritis Neuromas (i.e.: Morton's Neuroma) or nerve irritation How Cortisone Works Cortisone is a synthetic steroid that mimics hormones naturally produced by your adrenal glands. Its main job in foot and ankle injections is to reduce inflammation. Here’s what happens on a cellular level: Cortisone suppresses inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that cause swelling and pain. It stabilizes cell membranes in the injured tissue, preventing further irritation. Cortisone can also reduce nerve sensitivity in the area, which helps decrease pain perception. By directly targeting the source of inflammation, cortisone helps speed up healing and relieve chronic pain without the need for surgery. The Role of Ultrasound in the Injection Ultrasound guidance takes steroid injections to the next level. Using high-frequency sound waves, the clinician can see: Tendons and ligaments Inflamed soft tissue Nerves Joint spaces This allows the injection to be delivered exactly where it’s needed, which: Improves the effectiveness of the medication Minimizes risk of hitting nerves, blood vessels, or healthy tissue Reduces discomfort during the procedure For example: In plantar fasciitis, the cortisone is placed at the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. In Achilles tendonitis, the cortisone is delivered around the tendon sheath rather than the tendon itself, preventing damage to healthy tissue. In neuromas, it targets the inflamed nerve sheath precisely, reducing pain without affecting surrounding nerves. Why It Works: The Science The combination of corticosteroids and its precise placement is what makes this treatment so effective. Targeted anti-inflammatory action – By delivering cortisone directly to the inflamed tissue, the body’s natural healing process can work more efficiently. Reduced tissue trauma – Ultrasound guidance avoids unnecessary needle trauma to surrounding tissue, allowing faster recovery. Pain modulation – Cortisone temporarily decreases nerve irritation, which lowers pain signals sent to the brain. Support for chronic injuries – Chronic tendon or ligament injuries often involve persistent inflammation and microtears. Cortisone helps calm inflammation so the tissue can repair itself. In short, the science is all about precision + anti-inflammatory power: delivering cortisone exactly where it’s needed to calm inflammation, reduce pain, and support healing. Who Can Benefit from Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections? This treatment is ideal for people with chronic foot or ankle pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments like: Rest and activity modification Custom orthotics or supportive shoes Physical therapy Anti-inflammatory medications It’s especially helpful for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle arthritis, or nerve-related foot pain. Ultrasound guided injections alone won't address any underlying biomechanical issues that caused the pain in the first place. Therefore, it's most effective when combined with other treatments, like custom orthotics, supportive shoes that match your foot type and gait pattern, and physiotherapy. Bottom Line Ultrasound-guided steroid injections are a safe, precise, and scientifically backed way to treat chronic foot and ankle pain. By combining the anti-inflammatory power of cortisone with the accuracy of real-time imaging, patients often experience faster relief and better outcomes than with traditional injections. Feature image by nts01 from Pixabay

February 19, 2026

Which Superfeet Insole Is Right For Me?

Sometimes our shoes need that extra layer of comfort and resiliency to protect us from foot pain. For those already experiencing foot pain, you should take the time to invest in proper foot care right away. You may think Custom Orthotics are the only way to go, which can be true at times. That being said, Superfeet insoles are another option that can help with a wide range of Foot conditions. With this in mind, Feet First Clinic is proud to offer Superfeet insoles, which provide comfort and stability to anyone who needs them. Superfeet offers a wide array of insoles that all provide relief and support. Not only suitable for foot pain, high-quality insoles have also been credited with helping conditions like back pain. They're also favourable for those with flat feet or a high arch. Some are more tailored for different needs and activities, some for different shoes. The Superfeet insole you choose will ultimately depend on your needs and the shoes you wear them with (which is why you should always try them with the shoes you want to wear them with before purchasing). Superfeet Insoles: Classic Features Superfeet insoles are made with high-quality materials and features that support foot health, including: High-density foam: One of the best materials for insoles, it offers a firm foundation, comfort and sufficient shock absorption. Heel cup: This can help stabilize the foot for those who need it. It also helps properly align the foot. Odour control: Some Superfeet insoles feature an odour-control coating that helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps the insoles smelling fresh. Contoured shape: All Superfeet insoles come with a shape that accommodates various foot types. How to Choose Over-the-Counter Insoles When shopping for over-the-counter insoles, it's important to consider the following: Arch Height: High, medium, or low/flat Primary Use: Running, walking, work boots, slim footwear, or all-day casual use Cushion vs. Support: Do you want plush softness, firm structure, or a balance? Shoe Fit: Roomy vs. snug-fitting shoes Available Superfeet Options We'll discuss the following Superfeet insoles with the hope that you can find the right one for you: All-Purpose Support High Arch (formerly Green) All-Purpose Support Medium Arch (formerly Blue) All-Purpose Support Low Arch (formerly Black) All-Purpose Women's High Impact Support (formerly Berry) All-Purpose High Impact Support (formerly Orange) All-Purpose Memory Foam Support (formerly Copper) Carbon Run Cushion High Arch Work Cushion Work Slim-Fit Cushion Best Insoles for High Arches All-Purpose Support High Arch (Green) Choosing insoles with high arches can seem like a lost cause, but Superfeet Green is great for this foot type. In fact, Superfeet Green is Superfeet’s flagship product, and its most popular. One of the reasons why is its high arch support, which differentiates it from the Blue and Orange insoles. This high arch support helps alleviate foot, ankle, back, and knee pain by properly distributing pressure along the foot. Superfeet Green also provides the most support and stability among all Superfeet’s insoles. It's beneficial for a variety of other foot conditions too, such as plantar fasciitis and even flat feet (albeit with a break-in period). If you have high arches, but need extra cushioning and flexibility, you may also want to consider the Run Cushion High Arch or Work Cushion: Run Cushion High Arch This insole has all the supportive features of the Green, but with extra cushioning and flexibility. It's a great option for people who love the support of Green, but not the firmness. It's also great for sports and high-impact activities. Work Cushion This insole is designed especially for safety shoes and safety boots, but they go great with all footwear. They're designed for people who are on their feet all day and feature extra cushioning and shock absorption in the weight bearing parts of the foot (under the ball of the foot and the heel). It also has extra support around the heel, which makes it great for people who overpronate and need extra stability in their shoes. All Purpose Memory Foam Support (formerly Copper) Cushioning is one of the most important features to look for in an insole if you have high arches. That's because less of your foot contacts the ground, which concentrates more shock and force onto a smaller area. This means your feet can't properly absorb shock when you move. Cushioning provides that shock absorption for you. While the arch profile on the Copper insole is lower than the others listed above, it has abundant memory foam cushioning to soften each step you take. Thin Insoles - Dress/Slim Fitting Shoes Black The Superfeet Black insole is thinner, which makes it very adaptable. It fits snugly inside a wide range of footwear types, provides shock absorption and has an odour-control coating. Carbon The Superfeet Carbon insole is designed specifically for those interested in optimal performance enhancement. While still being lightweight, the Superfeet Carbon insole stands out with its "carbon fibre-reinforced stabilizer cap with a durable, ultralight foam layer." Superfeet notes that the Carbon insole is especially suitable for running shoes and cleats. The trademark Superfeet features, such as foam cushioning, the resilient shape and the heel cup, are also present. It's super-thin profile also makes it perfect for dress shoes and shoes that don't have removable insoles. Best Insoles for Flat Feet All Purpose Support Medium Arch (formerly Blue) Some of the best insoles for flat feet are Superfeet’s Blue inserts. The deep heel cups stabilizes the flat foot and prevents it from rolling inward, also known as overpronation. Individuals with this foot type often experience plantar fasciitis over time, and wearing Superfeet Blue can be preventative and, according to Mayo Clinic, reduce symptoms like foot pain. Superfeet Blue also hasa medium arch shape. This allows you to get the arch support you need, without being too aggressive and putting too much pressure along the arch. It’s also important to note that despite their thin appearance, Superfeet Blues are firm and highly durable. The thinness lets you use them in various footwear, making them one of the most popular over-the-counter insoles and a great option if the insoles with higher arch support (i.e.: Green, Run Cushion High Arch) don't fit into your shoes. All Purpose Women's High Impact Support (formerly Berry) If you like the arch and support of blue, but want a little extra cushioning, Berry could be a great option. The Berry is designed to accommodate the female foot, which characteristically has a slimmer heel. The arch length is also catered to support women. If you're a busy woman who spends long hours on her feet, whether it be for work or physical activity, this may be the insole for you. Superfeet Berry also comes with foam cushioning, allowing all of your footwear to feel exceptionally comfortable and preventing foot pain. The odour-control coating also fights bacteria from causing unpleasant foot odour. Lastly, like any good insole, the Superfeet Berry provides excellent shock absorption while running, with extra padding underneath the metatarsal (forefoot) area. Insoles for Normal Arches / High-Impact Activities: Superfeet Orange Superfeet Orange is a good choice for people with a normal to slightly pronounced arch. However, whether its brisk walking or playing sports, Superfeet Orange is great for physically active individuals. The heel cup perfectly cradles the foot during exercise, providing maximum control and optimal positioning of the soft tissue beneath the heel. Superfeet Orange also stands out with its extra high-impact foam on the forefoot, where the ball of the foot generally withstands the most pressure. It’s important to note that many Superfeet varieties complement a normal arch. Furthermore, flatter and more pronounced arches may also be able to mix and match different insole types. These are simply some of our best sellers. To learn about the various types of Superfeet insoles, click here.

January 22, 2026

Different Stages of a Bunion

A bunion, medically known as hallux abducto valgus, is an angular bony protrusion that forms at the base of the joint that connects your big toe to your foot. This joint, called the first metatarsophalangeal joint (or MTP joint for short), is a critical junction of bones, tendons, and ligaments that bear much of our weight when we’re on our feet. With bunions, the joint deviates its proper alignment, which causes the big toe to slowly and gradually turns towards the smaller toes. This foot deformity occurs in about 10-30% of the population, affecting twice as many females as males. Bunions are caused or contributed to by wearing poor-fitting shoes, faulty foot mechanics, muscle imbalances, lax ligaments, inflammatory arthritic conditions, and genetics. Bunions can be asymptomatic, although some people may experience pain, redness, and swelling at the joint, especially with tight footwear and extended periods of standing or walking. Symptoms may lessen with rest, biomechanical correction, and improved footwear choices. Unfortunately, a bunion is a progressive deformity and is irreversible without surgical intervention. This means they will slowly get worse over time. However, addressing underlying biomechanical factors may help slow its progression and reduce symptoms. Stages of Bunions Bunions are categorized in stages to determine the severity of the deformity. Without treatment, there is a greater risk a bunion will progress from one stage to the next. Stage 1 Visually, a bunion at this stage is considered mild. There may be a small “bump” at the side of the 1st MTP joint and the big toe will be slightly turned towards the second toe, although not touching it. Stage 2 The big toe further deviates from the MTP joint. At this stage, the first toe may be touching the second toe beside it. Stage 3 At this stage, the base of the first toe develops a bone spur. This makes the bony protrusion more significant. The first toe also starts to rotate on its axis away from the mid-line of the body. Stage 4 At stage 4, the first MTP joint has dislocated and the first toe will cross over or under toe. At this stage, the second toe will also present with a hammer toe deformity. Managing Bunions Although the only way to reverse a bunion is by surgery, it is only recommended if symptoms are not manageable by conservative measures and if function is severely compromised. Regardless of whether or not surgery is done, non-surgical treatment must be done, otherwise the bunion will reoccur. Conservative treatments help to slow down the progression of a bunion as well as manage pain. It includes custom foot orthotics, splints, bunions guards, toe separators, and foot exercises. Talk to your Chiropodist about the stage of your bunions and which conservative treatment options would be best for you!

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What Is Morton’s Neuroma?