Bunion Overview
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, where the toe joint meets the foot. This deformity happens when the big toe pushes against the next toe, causing the joint to stick out.
Over time, the pressure from the toe misalignment can lead to pain, inflammation, and a noticeable bump on the side of the foot.
While bunions are often associated with discomfort, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
In some cases, bunions may not cause any pain or trouble, but in others, they can become quite painful and make walking or wearing shoes difficult.
Causes of Bunions
Bunions develop when there is abnormal pressure on the big toe joint, causing it to shift out of alignment. Several factors can contribute to the formation of bunions, including:
- Genetics
- Footwear
- Abnormal Foot Mechanics/Flat Feet
- Injury
- Arthritis
Symptoms of Bunions
Bunions can vary in terms of symptoms. Some people experience mild discomfort, while others may have significant pain and difficulty walking. The most common symptoms of bunions include:
- A visible bump on the side of the big toe
- Pain or tenderness
- Redness or swelling
- Restricted movement
- Calluses or corns
Treatment Options for Bunions
While bunions won’t go away on their own, there are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms and slow down their progression. Depending on the severity of the bunion, treatment can range from conservative measures to surgery.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
For mild to moderate bunions, there are a variety of non-surgical treatments that can provide relief:
- Proper Footwear
- Orthotics
- Padding and Taping
- Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medication
- Cortisone Injection
- Physical Therapy
2. Surgical Treatment:
If conservative treatments don’t relieve pain or if the bunion continues to worsen, surgery may be necessary. There are various surgical options available depending on the severity of the bunion, including:
- Exostectomy: The bony prominence (the bump) is removed.
- Osteotomy: The bone is cut and realigned to correct the deformity. Screws may be used to hold the bones in place during healing.
- Arthrodesis: The joint is realigned to correct the deformity and bones are fused together.
Surgery is typically reserved for cases that don’t respond to other treatments or cause significant pain and functional impairment.
Conclusion
Bunions are a common but manageable condition. With proper care, footwear, and early intervention, you can alleviate symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from a bunion, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today!
Providers
Foot and Ankle Surgery, Podiatrist
Foot and Ankle Surgery, Podiatrist
Patient Resources
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Frequently Asked Bunion Questions
X-rays are extremely helpful for our physicians. This allows them to evaluate the structure of the bones to determine the severity of your deformity.
Contact our team and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. After x-rays and evaluation, our doctor will make that determination for you.
Opened toed shoes or wide toe-boxed shoes can help to alleviate pressure off of your painful bunion. Our doctors can recommend a variety of shoes and sandals that can benefit you!
Every patient is different with post-operative bunion surgery pain. Generally, a patient’s maximum pain is for 3-5 days post-surgery and does require medication to manage symptoms. Schedule an appointment with our doctors to learn more!
Depending on the severity of bunion and the type of procedure performed, recovery can greatly vary. Our doctors can discuss this with you after evaluation.
Ready to schedule an appointment or have questions for our staff?
Contact our office or click the link below to schedule an appointment.