Bunions Specialist

What is a bunion?

A bunion, also called a hallux valgus, is an abnormality in the joint at the base of your toe that becomes enlarged, deformed, and grows sideways. This places extra pressure on your other toes, which can create pain in the joint and eventually may affect how you walk.  

The term bunion typically refers to abnormal growth of the big toe, but can also affect the last, smallest toe. A bunion that affects the little toe is called a tailor’s bunion.

Bunions are progressive, forming slowly over time. As abnormal pressure from ill-fitting footwear pushes the toes inward, affected toes overlap with nearby toes. Over time, the joint and all the tissues around the joint shift, stiffen, develop inflammation, and cause pain.

Untreated bunions can lead to hammertoe, which is an abnormality in the middle joint of the toes. Hammertoe can cause any of the toes to become stiff and permanently deformed.

What causes bunions?

The cause of bunions is usually shoes that do not fit well, or that place pressure on the toe joint, also called the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Women who frequently wear high heeled shoes with pointed tips often have bunions, as these types of shoes compress the toes.

Family history, congenital foot problems, foot injury, and osteoarthritis also predispose both men and women to bunions.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

You may not have any painful symptoms as your bunion forms over time. Once your bunion has progressed, it may cause:

• Redness, tenderness, or swelling in the joint
• Redness, tenderness, or swelling of the skin around the joint
• Restricted range of motion in your affected toes
• Calluses or corns (or both)
• Large bony bump to the side of the bone joint
• Development of hammertoes

If you have bunions, even if you don’t have painful symptoms, you should have expert treatment at Premier Foot & Ankle to prevent further progression, deformity, and injury to your foot.

What are the treatment options for bunions?

Bunions won’t resolve on their own, so having treatment by a podiatrist at Premier Foot & Ankle is necessary to treat any symptoms you have. The goal of treatment is to relieve pressure and prevent further injury on the joint.

Bunion treatments include:

• Prescription medications like steroids and anti-inflammatories
• Steroid injections
• Custom orthotics and shoe inserts
• Specialized shoe padding and splints
• Physical therapy
• Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy
• Surgery

The team at Premier Foot & Ankle is skilled and highly qualified to treat your bunions and repair any damage done to your foot as a result of this progressive condition.

For a consultation regarding your bunion, call or schedule an appointment online with Premier Foot & Ankle today.