What are bunions?
A bunion is a bone deformity that often develops at the base of your big toe. It sticks out and might feel uncomfortable. Symptoms of a bunion include
- Limited mobility of your big toe
- Long-lasting or intermittent pain
- Calluses
- Corns
- Redness
- Swelling
- Soreness
- A bulging bump near the base of your big toe
Bunions commonly appear near your big toe, but smaller bunions can develop at the joint of your little toe.
What are the risk factors for bunions?
Anybody can develop a bunion due to inherited structural defects. The following factors increase your risk of developing one:
- Wearing tight, narrow shoes
- Wearing high heels regularly
- Repeated stress on your feet
- Rheumatoid and other types of arthritis
- High-impact physical activity
- Foot injuries
- Congenital deformities
Untreated bunions can cause bursitis (inflamed fluid-filled sacs near your joints), hammertoe, and inflammation or pain on the balls of your feet.
What is the treatment for bunions?
Bunions don’t always require treatment. Your podiatrist reviews your symptoms and medical history, and examines your foot to determine which treatment best matches your needs. X-rays help your doctor identify the severity of a bunion or its cause. Your personalized bunion treatment plan might include:
Footwear changes
Avoid high heels and choose soft, comfortable shoes that offer your toes plenty of space. Your podiatrist may recommend padded shoe inserts to alleviate symptoms and prevent bunions from getting worse.
Padding and taping
Your doctor might suggest bunion pads, tape, or a splint to reduce stress on a bunion and relieve pain associated with it.
Ice
Apply ice to bunions if they become sore or inflamed.
Medications
Taking oral medications or receiving cortisone injections helps control bunion pain and improve mobility.
Surgery
Surgery is a last resort if bunion pain is severe or interferes with everyday activities. Your podiatrist lets you know which surgical procedure is right for you. While bunion surgery isn’t as invasive as many other procedures, a full recovery might take weeks to months.
Don’t let bunion pain reduce your quality of life when simple treatments are within reach. Call Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists to learn more about your options or schedule an appointment online today.
