What is a bunion?
A bunion is a painful bump that typically forms at the base of your big toe when your big toe pushes against your second toe. Over time, this forces the joint on your big toe to grow larger. After a while, the joint sticks out and becomes quite painful.
The skin over your bunion may even become red and make it difficult to wear certain shoes. Or, shoes that are too tight or don’t fit properly can make your bunion worse. Bunions may also develop from structural problems with your feet or certain medical conditions.
Bunions can happen to anyone, but they are more common in women.
What are the symptoms of a bunion?
Signs that you have a bunion include:
- A bulging, painful bump on the outside of your big toe
- Restricted movement at the base of your toe joint
- Difficulty walking on your foot
- Trouble wearing certain shoes
- Corns or calluses from rubbing between your first and second toes
- Burning sensation or inflammation on your joint
How are bunions treated?
In most cases, you can get relief from bunions without surgery. To minimize discomfort, be sure to wear comfortable shoes that don’t aggravate an existing bunion by rubbing against it. This helps relieve pain when you walk or put pressure on the affected toe.
Protective pads that give extra cushion for a bunion may also lessen pain. Whenever possible, avoid standing for long periods of time and putting undue pressure on your bunion. Oral anti-inflammatory medications may also reduce pain and swelling. Icing your bunion at the end of the day may reduce swelling, too.
When would I need surgery for a bunion?
When nonsurgical methods no longer relieve your pain, or other complications develop as a result of the bunion, surgery may be the best option. There are several options to remove the bony bump on your toe and realign your toe so it no longer causes you pain or discomfort:
- Removing swollen tissue from around the toe joint
- Removing part of the bone to straighten the toe
- Permanently joining the bones of your big toe
- Realigning the bones in your foot to straighten the angle of your big toe
With bunions, as with any course of treatment for foot and ankle conditions, Dr. Bloome takes the most conservative path first, and then if your condition doesn’t improve, he discusses surgical options with you. To learn more about bunion treatment options, call or schedule an appointment online today.
