Bunion

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a deformity that occurs as the bones in your big toe are pushed out of their normal position. Ongoing pressure forces the top of the toe to bend inward, which pushes the joint at the base of the toe outward. This joint protrusion turns into the bunion’s characteristic bony bump on the side of your foot.

Bunions don’t heal on their own. They progressively worsen, which leads to permanent changes in the bone’s structure.

What causes bunions?

Bunions develop gradually over years of abnormal movement and pressure, often due to a structural problem in your foot or an injury. You may also have an inherited tendency to develop bunions.

Although shoes don’t directly cause bunions, shoes that are narrow or have high heels or pointed toes place abnormal pressure on your big toe. As a result, these shoes accelerate bunion development or aggravate an existing bunion.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

Bunions cause symptoms such as:

• Swelling or a bump on the outside of your foot at the base of your big toe
• Redness, swelling, and pain in the joint
• Calluses on the ball of your foot
• Limited movement of your big toe
• Bursitis or arthritis in the joint
• Hammertoes or corns
• Difficulty walking
• Poor balance

Your big toe is essential for maintaining your balance. It also provides leverage when your foot pushes off the ground. Changes in the toe’s structure and movement can significantly affect your ability to walk and may increase your risk of falling.

How are bunions treated?

The doctors at Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP start your treatment with nonsurgical therapies such as:

• Orthotic shoe inserts or orthopedic shoes to relieve pressure
• Exercises or physical therapy to improve range of motion and relieve inflammation
• Medication to reduce inflammation and pain

If conservative treatments don’t relieve your pain, you have chronic inflammation, or you’re having difficulty walking, you may need surgery to repair the toe and joint.

The doctors at Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP have extensive experience performing several types of bunion surgeries to realign the joint, correct the bone deformity, and repair the surrounding soft tissues. Your doctor will explain the best option based on the size and shape of your bunion.

Early treatment for a bunion can prevent complications. To schedule an appointment for your toe, call one of the nine Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP offices.