Bunions and Hammertoes: The Hidden Connection Between These Two Foot Deformities
Bunions and claw toes are two distinct foot conditions, but they often occur simultaneously. In fact, they often occur together so frequently that some doctors consider them to be a single condition. What causes bunions and hammertoes to occur together? There is a connection between how and why each deformity develops. If your foot has a bunion, a hammertoe is likely to follow. Here’s why.
What is a bunion?
A bunion, known as hallux valgus, is a lump that develops at the base of the big toe on the side of the foot. Caused by misalignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint, a bunion can make it difficult to find proper footwear, cause pain when rubbing against the shoe, or cause discomfort and pain when walking. When the big toe joint shifts, it causes the tip of the toe to deviate toward the smaller toes.The causes of bunions can vary, from footwear to genetics and even pregnancy. Bunions generally worsen over time, especially if you wear ill-fitting shoes. If you don’t take steps to limit the progression of a bunion, it can negatively affect your mobility and cause pain.
What is a hammertoe?
Hammertoes do not affect your big toe; instead, they occur in the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. They are characterized by an abnormal curvature in the toe, usually at the middle joint, which causes the tip of the toe to deform downward (flex). This deformity can cause your feet to rub against your shoes, causing corns and injuries. Hammertoe also causes the toe to become stiff, limiting your ability to move and making everyday activities more difficult or painful. Hammertoes can have several causes. Like bunions, improper footwear can contribute to hammertoes. Health problems, such as diabetes or a foot injury, may also play a role. But often, the exact cause cannot be determined.
What is a mallet finger?
A mallet finger is similar to a hammertoe. However, the curve occurs at the joint just below the nail of the affected toe, instead of pressing the pad of the toe down, mallet toe causes a curled appearance. This deformity predominantly affects the second toe, but can also occur in the third and fourth toes. Improper footwear is often the culprit, but injury and illness can also cause this condition.
What are claw toes?
Another deformity similar to hammertoe is claw toe. The toe joint curves the entire toe so that it curls back toward your foot, almost like a claw. Claw toes often occur in all of the smaller toes and involve all of the affected toe joints. Like the above pathologies, claw toes can be caused by the choice of footwear, although they can also be hereditary.
Why can you have bunions and hammertoes at the same time?
You are more likely to develop a hammertoe when the second toe extends beyond the first toe (big toe). When you wear shoes, the pressure from the end of the shoe box rests on the longer toe. Prolonged wear and tear can cause it to curve, resulting in a hammertoe. This is because the toe is repeatedly forced into this bent position, the tendons and muscles can become stiffer and shorter over time. Even when you remove a tight shoe, the toe remains bent. The relationship between bunions and hammertoes is clear: bunions, by deflecting the big toe and compressing the adjacent toes, force them into abnormal positions. This not only leads to the formation of hammertoes, but can also cause the big toe to become shorter than the second toe. Therefore, even if you are not born with a hammertoe-prone foot structure, the development of a bunion can change the anatomy of the foot, thus increasing the risk of suffering from this condition.
Do hammertoes cause bunions?
Having a hammertoe does not necessarily imply a risk of bunion, since it affects a different joint and does not put pressure on the big toe. However, factors such as joint problems, diabetes, genetics and improper footwear can increase the risk of both deformities. In addition, bunions and hammertoes often have a common cause: improper footwear. Therefore, it is possible to develop both conditions because of the pressure that narrow shoes put on the toes.
Treatment options for bunions and hammertoes
Because bunions and hammertoes have common causes, their preventive measures are similar. Nonsurgical treatments for both focus on mitigating pain and stopping the progression or aggravation of these conditions. Non-surgical treatments for bunions and hammertoes include:
Proper Footwear: It is essential to choose shoes with enough room in the toe box and in the front to avoid pressure and unnatural displacement of the toes. It is recommended to avoid narrow shoes and high heels, as they can cause calluses, blisters and aggravate bunions by pushing the big toe into the other toes.
Insole Support: Insoles, bunion splints and commercial pads help support and relieve foot pain. At Clinica San Roman, we offer custom orthotics and orthopedic insoles to cushion and position the toes in a more natural way.
Finger Stretches: Performing stretches and gentle finger exercises at home can relax tight ligaments and relieve muscle contracture. Regular activity can balance the musculature and prevent curved and uncomfortable fingers.
Surgery for Advanced Cases: For advanced bunions and hammertoes, bunion surgery may be necessary. Our surgeons at Clínica San Román are experts in various surgical procedures for bunions and toe deformities. In severe cases where a hammertoe affects daily life, we also perform specific surgeries for this condition.
Why is Clínica San Román the best place for the treatment of bunions and toe deformities in Europe?
Clínica San Román is led by a team of highly qualified physicians and podiatric doctors. This center was the first clinic to initiate minimally invasive foot surgery in Europe, established in 1979. Our goal is to offer safe and effective long-term treatments. If you suffer from hammertoes, bunions or a bunionette, we always start with the least invasive treatment option before resorting to state-of-the-art bunionectomy techniques. To schedule a consultation, call (+34) 965921156 or make an appointment now.
Llevaba varios años caminando mal ,problema en ambos pies,conocer la Clínica San Román y tras una consulta con el doctor Israel San Román,me aconsejo operarme los dos pies a la vez,no lo dude,salí andando de la operación,el posoperatorio fue perfecto,no tuve dolor solo una leve molestia,la recuperación muy rápida. Super agradecida al doctor San Roman y a todo el equipo de la clínica por la amabilidad y atención recibida tanto presencial como Telefónica en todo momento.
I first came across this clinic in February 2025 where I had some insoles made. They were very reasonable. I visited them twice and I had an x-ray and then the insoles were created. I saw my traumatologist at San Juan Hospital in January 2025 and he suggested that I needed to have an adjustment to the insoles. On the 22nd of January 2025 I booked an appointment and went to them and they made the adjustment. I asked them also to check the Doppler pulses in my feet, which was satisfactory. They were very kind, especially the doctor. I went to pay and I was told it was completely free for me as I was one of their patients. This is amazing because I felt that they went on and beyond what I was expecting. I give a five star recommendation. They speak English, which was very helpful to me as I don’t speak Spanish. They also speak French.
El servicio, la atencion, la Profesionalidad, inmejorable, aqui te solucionan, cualquier problema que tengas con los pies. Con especial mencion a la "callista", y resto del equipo.
Response from the owner:Estimado Jose Juan,
Muchísimas gracias por tu reseña y por valorar tan positivamente nuestro trabajo. 🌟 Nos hace muy felices saber que has sentido esa profesionalidad y atención inmejorable que siempre intentamos brindar en Clínica San Román.
Transmitiremos especialmente tus palabras a nuestra compañera y a todo el equipo; les hará mucha ilusión saber que su dedicación ha marcado la diferencia en tu visita. 🦶✨
Estamos a tu entera disposición para cualquier cosa que necesites en el futuro. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!
Een pittige ingreep maar geen 1 seconde pijn gehad! En na 48u toch uit de voeten kunnen is zo fijn! Wat een fantastische kliniek! Erg deskunig, klantvriendelijk, vol passie en een hele fijne nazorg. Ze namen alle tijd voor me .
Response from the owner:Beste Linda,
Hartelijk dank voor uw prachtige review! Het doet ons veel plezier te lezen dat de ingreep pijnloos is verlopen en dat u na 48 uur alweer goed uit de voeten kon. Dit is precies waar we naar streven met onze gespecialiseerde technieken: een deskundige behandeling met een snel en comfortabel herstel.
Het hele team waardeert uw woorden over onze passie en nazorg enorm. Bedankt voor uw vertrouwen in Clínica San Román! 🦶✨
Wouw wat een werk doet dokter San Roman! Super goed contact en ze helpen je snel! Ik zit nog in mijn herstel maar het resultaat ziet er al zo super goed uit. Minimalen pijn ervaren! Zou het iedereen aanraden als je ergens last van hebt!!
Response from the owner:Beste Danita,
Hartelijk dank voor deze geweldige review en de 5 sterren! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wat fijn om te horen dat je zo’n goede ervaring hebt gehad met Dr. San Román en ons team. We zijn ontzettend blij dat je minimaal pijn hebt ervaren; dat is precies het doel van onze minimaal invasieve technieken. Het is fantastisch dat het resultaat er tijdens je herstel al zo goed uitziet! 🦶✨
We wensen je een heel spoedig verder herstel en bedankt dat je ons zou aanraden aan anderen.
Met vriendelijke groet, Het team van Clínica San Román
--- ES --- Estimada Danita:
¡Muchas gracias por esta fantástica reseña y las 5 estrellas! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Qué bueno escuchar que has tenido una experiencia tan buena con el Dr. San Román y nuestro equipo. Nos alegra enormemente que hayas sentido un dolor mínimo; ese es exactamente el objetivo de nuestras técnicas mínimamente invasivas. ¡Es fantástico que el resultado ya se vea tan bien durante tu recuperación! 🦶✨
Te deseamos una pronta recuperación total y gracias por recomendarnos a otros.
The best experience ever. I’m so so glad what I’ve chosen especially this clinic. The team are so professional always happy to help and answer on all questions, they are basically with you all the time when you need them. Recovery was good, I didn’t feel any pain. And results just amazing, thank you a lot for doing such a great job
Response from the owner:--ING-- Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are truly honored that you chose Clínica San Román for your treatment. It brings us great joy to hear that you felt supported by our team throughout the entire process and that your recovery was pain-free. Knowing that you are happy with the amazing results is the best reward for our work. Thank you for your trust and for recommending us!
--- ES -- ¡Muchas gracias por sus maravillosos comentarios! Nos sentimos verdaderamente honrados de que haya elegido la Clínica San Román para su tratamiento. Nos alegra enormemente saber que se sintió respaldada por nuestro equipo durante todo el proceso y que su recuperación fue indolora. Saber que está contenta con los increíbles resultados es la mejor recompensa a nuestro trabajo. ¡Gracias por su confianza y por recomendarnos!
Response from the owner:¡Muchísimas gracias por esa recomendación del 200%, Aida! 👏 Nos hace una ilusión enorme leer palabras tan bonitas. Todo el equipo de Clínica San Román se esfuerza cada día para ofrecer la mejor atención posible, y saber que tu experiencia ha sido maravillosa es nuestra mejor recompensa. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!
Estoy muy satisfecha con la operación realizada por el Dr Israel San Román. todo ha ido estupendamente. Me operé de un juanete y 6 dedos en garra, a los 15 días ya caminaba y en un mes estaba totalmente recuperada. Son muy amables y te hacen sentir muy atendida. Muchas gracias a todos
Response from the owner:¡Muchísimas gracias por tus palabras, Tina! Nos hace muy felices saber que tu recuperación de la operación de juanete y dedos en garra ha sido tan rápida y satisfactoria.
Precisamente, ese es el objetivo de nuestra técnica de mínima incisión: corregir deformidades complejas permitiendo que el paciente camine cuanto antes y vuelva a su vida normal en tiempo récord. Le transmitiremos tu agradecimiento al Dr. Israel San Román y a todo el equipo. Ha sido un placer cuidarte. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!
Very happy and grateful for the results of this operation. Pain free walking was a dream, and Dr San Roman made it happen with great care, expertise and kindness. The whole staff is knowledgeable and very helpful. Thank you so much. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for trusting us with your foot surgery.
Reading that "pain-free walking" has turned from a dream into reality is the best reward for us. We are delighted to hear that you felt supported by Dr. San Román’s expertise and the kindness of our entire staff throughout the process.
We will make sure to share your kind words with the team. Thank you for recommending Clínica San Román to others seeking a definitive solution.
Tenía problemas serios en ambos pies de Halux Valgux, dedos en garra y otras deformaciones con dificultad para andar y con mucho dolor. Después de mucho buscar por internet, di con la Clínica San Román en Alicante. Tengo que dar las gracias al Dr. Israel San Román por sus enormes conocimientos, atención y esmero para solucionar definitivamente mi problema con microcirugía y a todo su personal de clínica, especialmente a María y Carla y los recomiendo para casos similares. ,
Response from the owner:Estimado Eliezer,
Muchísimas gracias por tu confianza y por compartir tu experiencia detallada con nosotros.
Nos hace muy felices saber que, tras tu búsqueda, encontraste en Clínica San Román la solución definitiva para recuperar tu calidad de vida. Es un orgullo para todo el equipo leer que la cirugía de mínima incisión (microcirugía) ha sido un éxito para corregir tanto el Hallux Valgus (juanetes) como los dedos en garra de ambos pies, eliminando el dolor y facilitando que vuelvas a caminar con normalidad.
Transmitiremos tus agradecimientos personalmente al Dr. Israel San Román, así como a María y Carla; les hará mucha ilusión saber que su atención y esmero han marcado la diferencia en tu proceso.
Gracias de corazón por recomendarnos a otros pacientes que puedan estar pasando por una situación similar. Aquí nos tienes a tu disposición.
Un afectuoso saludo de todo el equipo.
SAN ROMÁN CLINIC
Discover Clínica San Román
We want you to get a closer look at how we work and what you can expect when you visit us. In this video we show you our facilities, our medical team and how we approach each case in a personalized way.
We are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of foot problems, from common ailments to surgical interventions with minimally invasive techniques. We are committed to close attention, unhurried and focused on you.
If you have discomfort when walking or are looking for a definitive solution for your feet, this is your place. Press play and get to know us.
Clínica San Román es un centro especializado en podología y cirugía del pie con más de 45 años de experiencia. Nuestro equipo médico, liderado por expertos en cirugía mínimamente invasiva, comparte información confiable y actualizada sobre el cuidado de los pies, tratamientos innovadores y consejos para mejorar tu bienestar.
