Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the outer edge of your big toe. It can be painful and occurs as a result of your big toe pushing against your second toe, which causes the joint at the base of your big toe to become swollen and bulge out. 

Bunions develop slowly over an extended period of time. Anyone can develop bunions, but they’re especially common in women. 

What are the symptoms of bunions?

The most obvious sign of a bunion is a noticeable bump outside the base of your big toe. Other common symptoms include: 

• Swelling
• Redness
• Soreness
• Corns
• Calluses

If you have a bunion, you might also experience persistent or intermittent pain. As the bunion gets larger, you might also have difficulty moving or bending your big toe. 

What causes bunions?

Researchers aren’t entirely sure why bunions form. However, four factors are thought to play a role: 

• Inherited foot type
• Foot injuries
• Congenital deformities
• A history of wearing tight, narrow shoes

Chronic inflammatory conditions may also contribute. Many people who develop bunions also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  

How are bunions diagnosed?

Bunions don’t always require medical treatment. However, if your bunion negatively interferes with your quality of life and prevents you from participating in activities you love, make an appointment at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry.

At your appointment, your provider physically examines your foot and asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Next, they take a series of X-rays to better identify the cause of your bunion and the rate at which it’s growing. 

How are bunions treated?

Whenever possible, the team at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry treats bunions using conservative, noninvasive methods of care. If your symptoms are mild, your provider might recommend wearing roomier, more comfortable shoes or taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). For more persistent pain, a combination of splints and custom inserts might provide relief. 

If conservative treatments aren’t able to relieve your symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary. There are many surgeries designed to treat bunions. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might recommend surgically straightening your toe, joining the bones in your affected joint or removing swollen tissue from around your joint.

Newer minimally invasive procedures may be right for you.  Call to discuss these and other options with the surgeons at Downstate foot and Ankle Podiatry

Don’t let bunions prevent you from living a pain-free, active life. Make an appointment at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry today by calling or clicking the provided link.