Bunions
Bunion Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What Is a Bunion?
Also known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a bony-like bump that forms in the joint where your big toe meets the rest of your foot. This bump is actually the result of your big toe leaning toward the rest of your toes instead of pointing forward. It is this misalignment that causes the telltale bump of a bunion.
Bunions get progressively worse over time, with the bump becoming larger or more pronounced. Symptoms typically occur after many years of having a bunion and sometimes not at all.
Symptoms of Bunions
In addition to the knobby bump at the joint of the big toe, possible bunion symptoms include:
- Discomfort
- Redness
- Inflammation
You may also experience numbness or a burning sensation. Typically, patients only experience symptoms when they stand for long periods or if they wear shoes with a high heel or tight toe box.
What Causes Bunions?
Bunions are an inherited condition. That means that you’re more likely to develop them if others in your family have a particular foot type.
Contrary to popular belief, bunions are not caused by wearing high heels. However, if you have the inherited foot type AND regularly wear high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box, symptoms may appear sooner.
Diagnosing and Treating Bunions
As the bony protrusion is fairly obvious, diagnosis typically requires little more than a physical exam. However, your podiatrist may order x-rays to determine the degree of deformity and rule out any other causes.
Conservative treatment generally works well to treat bunions. Nonsurgical treatment options include:
- Icing the area to reduce pain and inflammation
- Modifying activities, particularly for those who stand for long periods
- Placing pads over the bunion to cushion and reduce pain
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to manage swelling and discomfort
- Wearing shoes with a wide toe box
Your podiatrist may also recommend custom orthotics to relieve pressure on the bunion.
Bunion Removal Surgery
If pain from your bunions is severe enough to impede normal activity, you and your doctor may discuss surgical options to remove the bunion. There are numerous bunion removal surgeries available, each intended to relieve pain. Surgery will also correct the foot’s structure as well as any changes in soft tissue.
If you have bunions, schedule an appointment with us today by visiting our Zocdoc page.
All Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Advanced Foot & Ankle Solutions
Have Questions or Need Care?
We’re here to help! Schedule your appointment online now for fast and easy care.
