A method for treating abnormalities of the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot of a mammal includes administering an amount of neuromuscular toxin effective to treat the abnormalities via intramuscular injection to the extensor hallucis brevis muscle of the affected foot of the mammal. Further effectiveness can be achieved by also administering the toxin to adductor hallucis and/or the flexor hallucis brevis (lateral head) muscles of the affected foot. One of the abnormalities to be treated is hallux abductovalgus, commonly referred to as a bunion.
