Your feet are remarkable structures, containing more than a quarter of all the bones in your body, connected by an intricate network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Despite their relatively small size, they play a crucial role in your daily mobility and overall quality of life. So when foot deformities develop, they significantly impact how you walk, stand, and distribute weight.
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Alexander Thomas and his team provide comprehensive care for bunions, hammer toes, and other structural foot abnormalities. We focus on personalized treatment approaches that address your specific condition, starting with conservative options before considering surgical intervention.
Common Foot Deformities
A foot deformity refers to any abnormal structure or alignment. It might be present from birth, develop gradually over time, or result from injury. Recognizing the specific type of deformity is the first step toward effective treatment.
Most foot deformities fall into a few main categories:
- Bunions. This common condition affects the joint at the base of the big toe, causing it to become unstable and enlarged. As it progresses, the big toe typically shifts toward the neighboring toes, creating the characteristic bump at the side of the foot.
- Hammer toes. So named because when a toe remains bent at the middle joint, it resembles a hammer. Similar deformities include claw toes and mallet toes, which affect different joints in the toe.
- Flat feet. This condition occurs when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to contact the ground when bearing weight.
- High arches. The opposite of flat feet, high arches mean less of the foot contacts the ground than normal, leading to instability and increased pressure on certain areas.
- Haglund's deformity. This bony enlargement on the back of the heel often results from chronic irritation in that area, and it’s sometimes called a "pump bump."
What Causes Foot Deformities?
Understanding the underlying causes of these different conditions helps guide effective treatment approaches. Several factors contribute to these conditions:
- Genetics. If your family members have structural foot problems, you may have inherited a predisposition to these conditions.
- Footwear choices. While shoes don't necessarily cause deformities, wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes makes existing problems worse.
- Previous injuries. Foot trauma weakens supporting structures around joints, potentially leading to deformities over time.
- Medical conditions. Certain health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and neuromuscular disorders, often increase the risk of developing foot deformities.
- Biomechanical issues. The way you walk or distribute weight across your feet also contributes to deformities. For example, overpronation—when your foot rolls inward toward the arch—is associated with several foot problems.
Our Approach to Treating Foot Deformities
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we believe in starting with the least invasive treatment options before considering surgical intervention. The primary goals are to relieve your pain, improve function, and prevent the deformity from worsening.
After a thorough examination and diagnosis in our Metro Detroit-area office, Dr. Thomas and his team develop an individualized treatment plan of conservative and advanced treatment options.
Conservative Treatment
Many foot deformities respond well to non-surgical approaches such as:
- Custom orthotics. These prescribed shoe inserts help redistribute weight and pressure across your foot, providing support where needed and relieving stress on affected areas.
- Protective devices. Splints, braces, pads, and other protective items can shield vulnerable areas from friction and pressure, reducing pain and preventing further irritation.
- Therapeutic exercises. Specific stretches and strengthening exercises help build support for affected joints and improve overall foot function.
- Footwear modifications. Switching to shoes with adequate toe room, proper arch support, and appropriate cushioning can significantly reduce symptoms.
- Pain management. When needed, we may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or other pain relief measures to address acute discomfort.
Advanced Treatment
For more severe or persistent deformities, we offer:
- State-of-the-art diagnostic tools to precisely evaluate the nature and extent of your foot deformity.
- Minimally invasive procedures that require smaller incisions and cause less tissue disruption than traditional surgery.
- A recommendation of surgical correction when conservative measures don't provide adequate relief. We'll thoroughly discuss all options, helping you make an informed decision about your care.
Partner With Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists for Expert Deformity Care
Many patients delay seeking treatment, hoping the problem will resolve itself, but most foot deformities actually worsen over time without proper intervention. Don’t let this happen to you. Turn to our dedicated, multi-lingual team to help you achieve optimal foot health through personalized, evidence-based care.
We recommend scheduling an appointment if you notice:
- Pain or discomfort in your feet that interferes with daily activities.
- Visible changes in foot shape or alignment.
- Problems with knee, hip, or back pain.
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
- Corns or calluses that develop in response to pressure or friction.
- Reduced mobility or changes in your walking pattern.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Thomas will:
- Listen carefully to your symptoms and concerns.
- Perform a thorough examination of your feet and ankles.
- Review your medical history and activity levels.
- Use appropriate diagnostic tools to assess your foot deformity.
- Discuss all available treatment options.
- Create a customized care plan focused on both immediate relief and long-term foot health.
Living with foot deformities doesn't have to mean constantly dealing with pain. At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we take the time to understand how your foot condition affects your life and work with you to develop practical solutions that fit your lifestyle.