Bunions Specialist

What are bunions? 

Bunions are bony bumps that occur on the joint located just outside of your big toe. If your big toe is always pressed tightly up against the toe next to it, gradually, the joint can begin to bend abnormally. Over time, this leads to a bunion forming. 

Typically, bunions are very red, sore, and irritating. Sometimes, smaller bunions can form on the little toe side of your foot, but those on the outside of your big toe are far more common. 

What are the common signs and symptoms of bunions? 

In many cases, bunions are associated with a variety of annoying, painful symptoms, including but not limited to: 

• Redness 
• Swelling
• Soreness
• Calluses
• Recurring pain
• Inability to move your big toe without pain

As you might imagine, having a bunion can make finding footwear that fits comfortably extremely difficult. As much as they are painful, they can also simply make everyday matters, such as picking out what shoes to wear, complicated endeavors. 

Not every bunion requires complex medical treatment. However, seeking the professional opinion of the team at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists can help you better understand simple solutions to problems you’re dealing with as a result of your bunion. 

What causes bunions? 

The specific cause of bunions isn’t universally agreed upon and isn’t understood in every case. However, there are certain risk factors upon which experts in the podiatry field generally agree. Some of these risk factors include injuries to the foot, certain types of arthritis, genetic factors, and your inherited foot structure. 

Some experts also believe ill-fitting footwear, such as high heels, can lead to an increased risk of developing bunions. 

What is the treatment for bunions? 

The team of podiatrists at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists always approaches the treatment of bunions with a personalized plan of action. They typically treat bunions with conservative, non-surgical treatments to progressively restore your toe’s shape and function.  

They may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as new footwear, using orthotics, a bunion shield, night splint, or bandages. These types of changes can alleviate the pain associated with a bunion and improve the condition in a timely fashion. 

Prescribing pain medication often accompanies the aforementioned conservative methods of treatment. Medication can limit swelling and make the pain of a bunion more tolerable until it’s gone. 

For severe bunions, surgery may be necessary.

If a bunion is affecting your day-to-day, contact the team at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.