What's Wrong With My Toes? Four Common Problems (2024)

Bunion

A bunion is a large bump on the side of the foot, just below the big toe joint. It's the result of the big toe shifting out of position over time, nudging ever closer to the second toe. This is caused by a gradual separation between the first and second metatarsal bones, which are the long bones of the foot.

These changes in bone positioning are most often due to abnormal foot function. For example, people with flat feet are more at risk of bunions. This can cause a widening of the foot and a large (and often red) bump on the side of the big toe joint.

Problems associated with a bunion include:

• Pain at the bump area
• Difficulty fitting into shoes due to the widened foot
• Painful calluses on the soles of the feet

Tailor's Bunion (Bunionette)

A tailor's bunion or bunionette is a bunion on the pinkie toe side of the foot. Similar to a bunion on the big toe side, this type of bunion also has a characteristic bump, although it is smaller. Having an abnormally shaped fifth metatarsal bone or a problem with foot functioning that puts excess pressure on the outside of the foot can lead to a tailor's bunion.

A tailor's bunion affects the joint area of the fifth metatarsal bone, where it meets the pinkie toe.

It usually causes the following:

• Pain
• Shoe discomfort
• Callus formation on the sole of the foot
• Curling under the fourth toe

The name comes from the notion that tailors often sat in a cross-legged position, putting pressure on the outside of the foot.

Hammertoe

A hammertoe is an abnormally shaped toe that is pulled back and upward in relation to the other toes. It most often affects the second toe and frequently occurs when there is a bunion at the big toe.

Hammertoes are the result of abnormal pulling of foot muscles, which occurs when there is abnormal foot functioning. Wearing high heels and shoes that are too narrow in the toe box may also contribute to forming hammertoes. People with flat feet are also prone to hammertoes.

Problems that often occur with a hammertoe include:

• Painful corns on the top of the toe
• Calluses on the ball of the foot (under the hammertoe)
• Arthritis of the toe joints

Hallux Limitus

Hallux limitus is the medical term for restricted motion of the big toe joint, or the first metatarsophalangeal joint. For the feet to function properly while walking, a certain degree of flexibility of the big toe joint is required.

Abnormal foot anatomy, or a previous history of trauma such as turf toe or a toe sprain can cause hallux limitus. This can progress to arthritis and a complete loss of range of motion, known as hallux rigidus.

Symptoms include:

• Pain at the big toe joint
• A bunion (bump) at the top of the big toe joint
• A callus on the side of the big toe

Summary

Common toe problems, including bunions, tailor's bunion (or bunionette), hammertoes, and hallux limitus, can be caused by abnormal foot anatomy and function as well as too-small footwear.

If left untreated, toe problems can impact how you balance, walk, and run. By understanding the signs and symptoms, you can get treatment and ensure a healthy, functioning foot.

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