What are bunions?
A bunion is a type of foot condition that causes the bones and tissues in the front of your foot to push out of alignment.
It’s a progressive condition that doesn’t go away on its own and continues to worsen over time. In most cases, a bunion occurs when your big toe is forced inwards toward your smaller toes.
As the toe continues to point inward, it causes the joint at the base of your toe to stick out. This bony protrusion is what’s typically referred to as a bunion. Although bunions typically affect the big toe, they can also affect smaller toes as well.
What are the causes of bunions?
Bunions affect people of all ages, ethnicities, and activity levels. Some people are at a higher risk of developing bunions because of the structure of their feet. Having issues like flat feet or high arches can increase your risk of bunions.
Bunions can also develop as a result of traumatic injuries. Although wearing high heels or tight-fitting shoes may not cause bunions, they can increase your risks and worsen your condition.
What problems can bunions cause with my feet?
Bunions affect the bone, joints, and soft tissues in your feet. People with bunions frequently struggle with soreness, numbness, and joint pain. The pain caused by bunions often increases during long periods of standing or walking.
Footwear is another major problem for people with bunions. The bony protrusion caused by bunions makes it difficult to find shoes that fit without causing pain.
Because bunions are a progressive condition, it’s important to seek treatment as early as possible. If your condition is affecting your quality of life, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, can determine the most effective treatment for you.
How are bunions treated?
Not all bunions require immediate treatment. If your condition is in the early stages and doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort, your provider may recommend ongoing monitoring of your condition.
If your bunions are more advanced or cause pain, they may combine several conservative treatments to effectively relieve your symptoms. Depending on your condition, conservative treatment may include:
- Padding
- Orthotics
- Footwear changes
- Injections
- Over-the-counter pain medication
In some cases, surgery may be required to correct your bunion. With board-certified foot and ankle surgeons on staff, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, has experience correcting a wide range of common foot problems.
To find out which treatment is right for you, book an appointment at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, by phone or online today.
