What are bunions?

A bunion is a small bony growth that usually forms at the base of your big toe. It’s also possible for smaller bunions to form on the other toes. Bunions are often painful and inconvenient for patients. Seeking treatment with the Foot and Ankle Wellness Center team can provide you relief.

What causes bunions?

Bunions develop as the big toe pushes into the toe next to it over time. Eventually, the joint of the big toe gets bigger and starts to stick out.

The exact cause of bunions isn’t known. However, researchers think that deformities present at birth, injuries to the foot, and foot type may all play a role in the development of this condition. Some experts also believe that wearing certain types of footwear, such as high heels, may also make bunions more likely.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunions usually appear as a noticeable growth at the base of your big toe. Common signs and symptoms include:

• A bulging bump
• Swelling
• Redness
• Soreness
• Calluses
• Corns
• Ongoing pain
• Limited big toe movement

Symptoms associated with bunions can be mild, moderate, or severe. See your podiatrist if bunion pain interferes with your everyday life.

How are bunions diagnosed?

In most cases, your podiatrist will be able to diagnose bunions based on an examination of your feet. However, they may recommend an X-ray to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms in some cases.

Which treatments are available?

In some cases, you may be able to deal with the symptoms of bunions with only conservative treatments. Conservative treatment options for bunions include:

• Wearing different shoes
• Taking pain medications or anti-inflammatories
• Wearing custom orthotics
• Taping or splinting the foot
• Applying ice
• Surgery

If conservative treatments don’t relieve your symptoms completely, you may need surgery. Surgical procedures for bunions may involve removing swollen tissue, removing part of the big toe’s bone, realigning the toe, or joining the bones in the affected joint.

Don’t live with unpleasant symptoms associated with bunions when simple treatments are within each at Foot and Ankle Wellness Center. Call the office nearest you today to schedule an appointment or book one online.