Bunions Specialist

Why do I have bunions?

Bunions are permanent bone misalignments or deformities that occur for a variety of reasons. Bunions affect the joint at the base of your big toe and are known for causing that visible bony bump on the side of your foot. It’s believed that frequently wearing pointy shoes, high heels, or snug-fitting footwear continues to push your big toe out of proper alignment, which is why the toe eventually gets “stuck” in that position.

Footwear isn’t the only thing to blame when it comes to bunions, though. You can also develop them due to:

• Arthritis
• Birth defects
• Injuries or trauma
• Inherited foot shape 

While bunions affect both men and women of any age, podiatrists find that women develop them more frequently — likely because of footwear. You can even have the same sort of issue with your baby toe, a condition called a bunionette.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Aside from the obvious bony bump at the base of your toe, bunions can cause all kinds of issues. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of bunions include:

• Hammertoe in the toe next to your big toe
• Corns or calluses on your big toe
• Restricted toe movement
• Swelling or redness over your big toe joint

It’s important to schedule an evaluation at Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists at the first sign of a bunion. The sooner you start an effective therapy plan, the greater your chances of preventing bunion progression and further discomfort.

How are bunions treated?

Treating bunions begins with conservative therapies to relieve pain and minimize future issues. Your bunion treatment plan at Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists can include:

• Custom supportive orthotic shoe inserts
• Specialized footwear
• Shoe fit modification
• Protective padding
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Injections
• Physical therapy and toe stretches
• Activity modification

While these solutions won’t correct a bunion itself, they’re usually beneficial for minimizing discomfort and helping you restore your quality of life. In more severe cases or if your conservative bunion treatment isn’t providing relief, you may need bunion surgery.

This minimally invasive procedure can include shifting soft tissue or bone or removing damaged tissue or bone. Your bunion surgery with Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists is tailored entirely to your specific needs. 

To learn which bunion solutions are right for you, schedule an exam at Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists. Request an appointment online or over the phone today.