Foot deformities: Many people have them, but few understand how debilitating they can be. That’s because deformities aren’t just about how your feet look; they can significantly impact how you walk, the comfort of your shoes, and your overall well-being. The trick is catching them early, especially since the initial signs are so easy to brush off. In this article, we at My Chicago Foot Expert will explain five different types of deformities in their early stages so that you can be the first to recognize the problem.

Flat Feet

For those with flat feet, the arch on the inside of the foot either isn’t there or collapses when standing. Early on, you might notice your feet getting tired more easily after activities that used to be fine or a mild ache in the arch or heel. A key giveaway can be observing your inner ankle subtly rolling inward when you stand or walk. This shift can be a first clue that your foot isn’t providing the stability it should.

High Arches

On the other side of the spectrum, high arches can also signal issues. While a distinct arch often looks strong, if it’s too high or rigid, it might not absorb shock effectively. Early signs can include persistent discomfort or pressure under the ball of the foot or outer heel.

You might also find yourself frequently twisting your ankle because high arches can sometimes lead to less foot flexibility and more instability.

Bunions

Bunions are perhaps one of the most well-known foot deformities that appear as a bony bump at the base of the big toe. Early warning signs are often quite subtle: you might notice just a slight bump starting to form or maybe a bit of redness and tenderness around that big toe joint, especially after you’ve been wearing high heels or tight footwear.

Hammertoes

If you look down and notice one of your smaller toes starting to bend upward at the middle joint, that could be an early hammertoe. It might initially just feel a bit uncomfortable in certain shoes, or you might detect a subtle rub on the top of that bent toe. But over time, this bending becomes more fixed and leads to painful corns or calluses that rub against footwear.

Bunionettes

Just like a bunion, a bunionette is a bump, but it forms on the outside of your foot, right at the base of your pinky toe. An early sign might be a small, slightly reddened bump appearing on the outer edge, which feels tender when your shoe presses against it. It’s often linked to wearing shoes that are a bit too narrow for your foot’s width.

For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.