Dealing with Foot & Ankle Deformities

Asha Curry • July 4, 2023

Dealing with Foot & Ankle Deformities: A Guide to Bunions & Bone Spurs

Structural deformities of the feet and ankles are common conditions that can affect people of all ages. Bunions and bone spurs are two of the most frequently encountered deformities in the feet.

 

Bunions appear as a noticeable bump at the base of the big toe joint, while bone spurs are bony protrusions that develop on the surface of a bone.

 

These conditions can be caused by various factors such as genetics, age, wearing tight shoes, and arthritis. If left untreated, bunions and bone spurs can lead to significant pain, difficulty walking, and even joint damage.

 

Fortunately, surgical treatment options are available to correct these conditions and alleviate pain and discomfort.

 

Bunions

 

A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe joint (a similar bump can develop on the other side of the foot near the little toe, and that’s called a Tailors Bunion). This bump forms when the big toe pushes against the next toe, causing the joint to become misaligned.

 

Symptoms of a bunion can include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Treatment for a bunion typically begins with non-surgical options, such as wearing wider shoes, orthotics, using padding to reduce pressure, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. However, if these measures fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary.

 

Bunion surgery involves removing the bony bump and realigning the joint. There are several types of bunion surgery, including:

 

·        Osteotomy: This involves cutting and realigning the bone to correct the deformity.

·        Arthrodesis: This involves fusing the joint to prevent it from moving and causing further damage.

·        Exostectomy: This involves removing the bump without realigning the joint.

·        Resection arthroplasty: This involves removing the damaged portion of the joint.

 

The type of surgery recommended will depend on the severity of the bunion and the patient's overall health.

 

Bone Spurs

 

A bone spur, also known as an osteophyte, is a bony growth that develops on the surface of a bone. Bone spurs can form on any bone in the body, and are often caused by arthritis, which can cause the bones to rub against each other and create friction.

 

Symptoms of a bone spur can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Treatment for a bone spur typically begins with non-surgical options, such as using ice, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing supportive shoes. However, if these measures fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary.

 

Bone spur surgery, most commonly a resection or osteotomy, involves removing the bony growth and smoothing out the surface of the bone. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the severity of the bone spur and the patient's overall health.

 

If you are experiencing symptoms of a bunion or bone spur, it is important to consult with a Podiatric Surgeon to determine the best course of treatment.


Contact the skilled Surgeons at MJ Taranto Foot and Ankle Podiatric Surgeons

today for a consultation on 9250 1676 or click the link to book online.

The Nail That Wouldn’t Behave – A Story About Ingrown Toenails

By Asha Curry • September 2, 2025
Meet Jack. He’s 14, loves soccer, and spends most afternoons running around the pitch with his mates. But for the last couple of years, he’s been hobbling more than sprinting. The culprit? A troublesome toenail on his big toe that has become so painful and embarrassing that he no longer wants to take his socks off in front of his friends. At first, Jack shrugged it off. “It’s just a bit sore,” he told his mum. But soon, the toe became red, swollen, and tender to even the lightest touch. Wearing his footy boots felt like stepping on a Lego brick every time he moved. Then the tissue around the toe started to get bigger and would bleed whenever it was knocked. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Ingrown toenails are incredibly common in kids and adolescents — often thanks to active lifestyles, tight shoes, or nails that just grow in awkward shapes. Adults aren’t immune either — anyone can get them. The good news? This is not something you have to put up with. Step one is usually conservative care from your podiatrist. We can gently remove the offending nail edge, reduce inflammation, and give you tips to stop it from coming back — like proper nail trimming techniques and footwear advice. But sometimes, as in Jack’s case, the nail problem keeps coming back to cause trouble and the tissue inflammation is too much to benefit from non-surgical measures. That’s when we can offer some surgical solutions. This can range from a simple surgical procedure, done under local anaesthetic, to a more invasive procedure which is usually done as a day procedure in a day surgery or hospital. As Jack’s problem was recurrent, we suggested a more permanent procedure to remove the sections of nail and skin that were problematic, under general anaesthetic (Jack was asleep and had no pain). Jack had the surgery. Three weeks later, he was back on the field, scoring goals without a second thought about his toe. His mum says the only regret was not getting it sorted sooner. If you or your child are dealing with a stubborn, sore toenail, remember: you don’t have to live with it. There is a definitive solution — and we’re here to help you find it. 

Walking on Eggshells: Jane's Story

By Asha Curry • May 6, 2025
When Jane turned 58, she started noticing a bump forming on the side of her big toe. At first, it didn’t bother her much — just a little rubbing in her shoes. But over time, her bunion got bigger, and her second toe started curling upwards. It wasn’t long before even short walks became painful. She thought the pain was “just part of getting older,” but her knees and hips had started aching too. Why? Because her body was compensating for her sore feet. Jane's gait (the way she walked) had changed, putting extra pressure on other joints. She also started feeling less steady on her feet, especially when barefoot or in slippers. Finding shoes was another challenge — nothing seemed to fit comfortably anymore. Fashion took a back seat to function, and even then, her shoes still hurt by the end of the day. Eventually, Jane reached out for help. What Are Bunions and Hammer Toes? Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe that cause the toe to shift out of alignment. Hammer toes are bent, curled toes that can develop from the pressure caused by bunions or from muscle imbalances. Both conditions can cause pain, difficulty walking, and trouble finding shoes that fit. What Can Be Done? Thankfully, Jane had options. Non-surgical treatment included: - Custom orthoses (prescription shoe inserts) to support her feet and reduce pressure. - Footwear advice to help find supportive, comfortable shoes. - Stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve balance and foot function. In some cases these options are not enough to provide symptom relief, and in Jane’s case, she explored surgical correction as her activities of daily living were being affected. Our Podiatric Surgeons explained the procedure clearly, and helped Jane understand how surgery could relieve pain, correct the deformity, and help her walk comfortably again. Ready to Take the First Step? If your feet are holding you back like Jane’s were, let’s talk. ✅ Book an appointment with one of our non-surgical podiatrists for a full assessment and personalised treatment plan. ✅ Or, if you’d like to explore surgical options, you can book a consultation with one of our Podiatric Surgeons, Julie Taranto or Michael Taranto.