Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

A bunion is a hard, bony bump that forms on the outer edge of your big toe. It occurs when the bones at the front of your foot become misaligned, causing your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint to bulge outward.

Bunions affect people of all ages, but they’re most common in older adults, particularly women. If you regularly experience pain near or around your big toe and it affects your mobility or quality of life, contact Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants right away.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Symptoms of bunions include:

• A big toe that’s red and swollen
• Difficulty wearing regular shoes
• Corns and calluses
• Difficulty bending your affected toe
• Hammertoes

As the condition gets worse, you might also experience numbness or tingling sensations in your big toe.

What causes bunions to form?

Researchers don’t know what causes bunions, but several factors may contribute, including your foot mechanics (the way you walk) and the shape of your feet. You’re also more likely to experience a bunion if you have an underlying medical condition, like rheumatoid arthritis or foot structure problems, like flat feet, run in your family.

How are bunions diagnosed?

To diagnose a bunion, your provider at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants has you remove your shoes and socks and carefully examines your foot. Bunions are visible to the eye, but your provider might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to assess the alignment of the bones at the front of your foot. 

After determining the severity of your bunion, your provider develops a custom treatment plan that aligns with your needs.

How are bunions treated?

The treatment of bunions depends on various factors, including the size, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your daily routine. Typically, Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants recommends conservative treatments, including:

• Bunion pads and taping
• Custom orthotics
• Wearing more comfortable shoes
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, surgery might be necessary. During minimally invasive bunion surgery, your provider uses special tools to carefully realign the bones at the front of your foot. That relieves pain and inflammation, restoring your mobility and range of motion.

To learn more about the different treatments for bunions, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants. Call the office or book online today.