Bunions

What are bunions?

A bunion is a progressive foot deformity that most commonly affects the big toe. A bunion occurs when the bones in the front of your foot shift out of place, causing your big toe to lean toward your smaller toes. Over time, this causes the joint in your big toe to bulge out, resulting in a small bump known as a bunion. 

Although some bunions can be caused by foot injuries or wearing tight-fitting shoes, most cases are the result of an inherited foot type or congenital foot deformity. For some people, the natural structure of their foot puts them at an increased risk of developing bunions. 

What are the symptoms of bunions?

The most obvious symptom of a bunion is a bulging bony bump on the base of your toe. In many cases, the skin surrounding the bunion may become sore and red. Bunions can cause ongoing pain and limited movement of the affected toe. Bunions can also result in corns and calluses as the toes rub against each other. 

Additional symptoms include:

• Burning pain
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Difficulty fitting in shoes

Although a bunion might not seem like a major concern, the condition can affect your daily life and make it difficult to find comfortable shoes. If you suffer from pain or other complications with your bunions, the team at Foot & Ankle Group can help find the best treatment for you. 

How are bunions treated?

Your treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. In most cases, your doctor can identify bunions with a simple physical exam and imaging tests. Treatment for your bunion depends on the severity of your symptoms and how far your deformity has progressed. Foot & Ankle Group offers both conservative management and surgical treatment for bunions. 

Depending on your condition, conservative management may include:

• Footwear changes
• Padding
• Orthotics
• Injections 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

The goal of conservative treatment is to eliminate your pain and restore your mobility. Although conservative treatment cannot reverse your bunion, it can slow down the damage to your toe joint and help you lead a normal, active lifestyle. 

What if I need surgery?

If your condition is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative care, you may need surgery. The practice offers a number of traditional and minimally invasive procedures to correct your bunion. The goal of surgical treatment is to eliminate your pain, remove the bump on the side of your toe, and restore the structure of your foot. 

To find out which treatment is right for you, call Foot & Ankle Group or book an appointment online today.