Bunions

What are bunions?

Bunions — hallux valgus — are joint deformities of your big toes. They form slowly over time as your toes get squeezed together and your big toe has to lean into your smaller toes. This changes the structure of your big toe joint, forcing ligaments, muscles, bones, and other tissues to adjust to your new crooked toe position.

Why do bunions form?

Bunions regularly affect women’s feet, likely because of ill-fitting pointy or high-heeled shoes. These snug shoes put added strain on your forefoot and cause your big toe to get shoved out of its normal alignment to make room for itself.

But not everyone who develops bunions wears improper footwear. Your risk of developing bunions is greater if you have:

• Weak or unstable joints
• Toe trauma or injury
• Arthritis

The underlying factors that tend to cause bunions often run in families. So if you have blood relatives with bunions, your risk of having them is higher.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

In the early stages, your bunions may not bother you and you might not seek medical intervention. But they’re more than unsightly deformities and require treatment as soon as they start forming. If left untreated, bunions can lead to:

• Inflammation and stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Calluses and corns
• Hammertoes

Bunions can become so severe, that walking becomes increasingly painful. Before any of these symptoms continue progressing, come into Southwest Foot & Ankle for an evaluation.

How does a podiatrist treat bunions?

Southwest Foot & Ankle provides on-site imaging, so your dedicated podiatrist can get to the root of your bunions quickly and find you the best course of treatment. Conservative bunion solutions include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Taping and strapping
• Footwear changes
• Bunion shields
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy

Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) is typically reserved for cases where conservative therapies fail. If you need bunion surgery, your podiatrist can fuse bones, correct joint deformities, remove the bony bump and make any other necessary repairs to restore your normal big toe functions.

If you struggle with bunion pain, contact Southwest Foot & Ankle for an evaluation today. Click on the request appointment feature or call to schedule a visit with our office.