What are bunions?
A bunion develops when the joint at the base of your big toe moves out of proper alignment. When the bones in the front portion of your foot begin to shift, your big toe can be pulled toward your smaller toes, creating a bulge on the inner side of the foot just beneath your big toe.
It’s also possible to develop a bunion at the base of your little toe, in which case the bulge would be on the outer edge of your foot. Some people only develop minor bunions that don’t cause pain or other foot problems, but bunions are a serious source of foot pain for others.
Here are some additional signs that you may have a bunion:
- Corns or calluses where your toes rub together
- Redness or swelling on the side of your foot near your toes
- Limited ability to move your big toe
- Inability to walk or wear certain shoes without discomfort
Don’t accept bunions as inevitable when there are treatments that can help.
What causes bunions?
Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of bunions, but believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors is to blame. Certain foot shapes tend to experience bunions more frequently than others, and deformities present at birth can increase your risk level.
There is an argument about the role that your footwear plays in developing bunions. Many professionals believe that wearing shoes with a tight toe box that presses toes together, or wearing heels that force you to bear weight on the front portion of your foot might contribute to bunions.
If you notice changes in the shape of your feet, trying different shoes is an easy way to determine if your footwear is part of the problem. However, be sure to seek treatment for pronounced bunions, as issues like hammertoe, bursitis, and metatarsalgia can develop if the condition is left untreated.
Are there treatments that can help bunions?
Bunion pads, foot taping, and custom orthotics are all noninvasive options that can improve minor bunions. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication is usually sufficient to resolve mild pain.
Physical therapy can help by strengthening the foot, which can also prevent other podiatric issues. Steroid injections can deliver temporary pain relief as your body heals.
Once the joint has become significantly deformed, surgery is sometimes the best available approach. Some procedures remove swollen tissue around the joint while others realign the bones to correct the problem. Removing a portion of bone tissue is sometimes necessary.
Dr. Cerniglia is skilled in multiple bunionectomy procedures, including Youngswick and Akin osteotomy, and Austin, Lapidus, and McBride bunionectomies.
When you’re ready to learn more, call or click to set up a personalized visit at Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas.
What are bunions?
A bunion develops when the joint at the base of your big toe moves out of proper alignment. When the bones in the front portion of your foot begin to shift, your big toe can be pulled toward your smaller toes, creating a bulge on the inner side of the foot just beneath your big toe.
It’s also possible to develop a bunion at the base of your little toe, in which case the bulge would be on the outer edge of your foot. Some people only develop minor bunions that don’t cause pain or other foot problems, but bunions are a serious source of foot pain for others.
Here are some additional signs that you may have a bunion:
- Corns or calluses where your toes rub together
- Redness or swelling on the side of your foot near your toes
- Limited ability to move your big toe
- Inability to walk or wear certain shoes without discomfort
Don’t accept bunions as inevitable when there are treatments that can help.
What causes bunions?
Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of bunions, but believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors is to blame. Certain foot shapes tend to experience bunions more frequently than others, and deformities present at birth can increase your risk level.
There is an argument about the role that your footwear plays in developing bunions. Many professionals believe that wearing shoes with a tight toe box that presses toes together, or wearing heels that force you to bear weight on the front portion of your foot might contribute to bunions.
If you notice changes in the shape of your feet, trying different shoes is an easy way to determine if your footwear is part of the problem. However, be sure to seek treatment for pronounced bunions, as issues like hammertoe, bursitis, and metatarsalgia can develop if the condition is left untreated.
Are there treatments that can help bunions?
Bunion pads, foot taping, and custom orthotics are all noninvasive options that can improve minor bunions. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication is usually sufficient to resolve mild pain.
Physical therapy can help by strengthening the foot, which can also prevent other podiatric issues. Steroid injections can deliver temporary pain relief as your body heals.
Once the joint has become significantly deformed, surgery is sometimes the best available approach. Some procedures remove swollen tissue around the joint while others realign the bones to correct the problem. Removing a portion of bone tissue is sometimes necessary.
Dr. Cerniglia is skilled in multiple bunionectomy procedures, including Youngswick and Akin osteotomy, and Austin, Lapidus, and McBride bunionectomies.
When you’re ready to learn more, call or click to set up a personalized visit at Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas.
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