Bunion & Hammertoe Treatment in Farmington, NM

Understanding Bunions

A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a progressive bone deformity that develops at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the first metatarsal bone shifts outward while the big toe angles inward toward the second toe, creating a prominent bony bump on the inside of the foot. Over time, the misalignment worsens, leading to pain, inflammation, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.

Bunions are among the most common foot deformities, affecting an estimated 23 percent of adults. While the condition has a strong genetic component — people with certain inherited foot structures are more prone to developing bunions — other factors can accelerate their formation. These include wearing narrow or pointed shoes that crowd the toes, spending long hours on your feet, having flat feet or low arches, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that affect joint stability.

What Are Hammertoes?

A hammertoe is a deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like or claw-like shape. The condition typically affects the second, third, or fourth toe and often develops alongside bunions, as the shifting big toe crowds the adjacent toes and forces them out of alignment. Hammertoes can be flexible (the toe can still be straightened manually) or rigid (the joint is fixed in the bent position), and the condition tends to worsen without treatment.

Contributing factors include muscle and tendon imbalances, wearing shoes with inadequate toe room, toe injuries or trauma, arthritis, and the natural aging process. Hammertoes can cause pain at the top of the bent joint (especially when wearing shoes), corns and calluses from friction, difficulty walking, and limited toe flexibility.

How Dr. Dorner Treats Bunions and Hammertoes

At Family Foot Health Specialists, Dr. Denise M. Dorner takes a conservative-first approach to bunion and hammertoe care. After a thorough examination — including X-rays when needed to assess the degree of deformity — she develops a treatment plan tailored to the severity of your condition, your activity level, and your goals.

Conservative options include recommending wider, more supportive footwear; prescribing custom orthotic inserts to redistribute pressure and support proper alignment; applying protective padding to reduce friction; recommending toe exercises and stretches to maintain flexibility; and using splints or toe spacers to slow progression. Anti-inflammatory medications and icing protocols help manage pain and swelling during flare-ups.

For patients whose pain persists despite conservative measures, or whose deformity has progressed to the point where it significantly limits daily activities, Dr. Dorner discusses surgical options. She explains the procedure, expected recovery timeline, and realistic outcomes so patients can make informed decisions about their care.