Bunion Specialist

What are bunions?

When you develop an abnormal bump in your big toe joint, it’s likely a bunion. Often, a bunion causes symptoms like redness, swelling, and soreness. Without treatment, bunions can cause significant foot deformities and chronic pain.

Bunions develop slowly. The first signs of a bunion are that, instead of pointing straight ahead, your big toe starts to push toward your second toe. As the bunion worsens, your second toe can become misaligned due to the pressure from the big toe. You may develop a bend in the middle joint of the second toe, known as hammertoe, as a result.

The bunion can also cause another misalignment in your middle toe that then puts pressure on your third toe and so on.

Why did I develop a bunion?

Bunions usually develop due to genetics and poor choices in footwear. If you were born with flat feet, a naturally crooked big toe, or a long second toe, you’re more likely to develop a bunion.

If you do have a genetic propensity to develop bunions, wearing shoes that crowd your toes increase your chances of developing a bunion. Women develop bunions more often than men, likely because of high heels, stilettos, and narrow toe boxes that force toes into a small space.

Anyone can develop a bunion, though, especially if you consistently wear shoes that are tight or too small.

What is the treatment for bunions?

There’s no cure for bunions, but the podiatric team at Permian Basin Foot and Ankle can help you manage them to slow their progression and delay the need for surgery.

Conservative management should begin as soon as you notice signs of a bunion, even if it’s not causing you any pain. Early on, change to shoes that have a large toe box to accommodate your toes. Your podiatrist may also suggest custom orthotics to fix the alignment of your toes and relieve pressure on the bunion.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help you with minor pain associated with your bunion.

If you have a serious deformity, inflammation, or pain, surgery may be necessary to correct the bunion. Surgical intervention is the only way to fix a bunion – conservative therapies are designed to manage your pain and prevent the bunion from getting worse. If you have a hammertoe as a result of a bunion, surgery can also correct this unusual bend in your toe.

Early intervention is key in managing your bunion. Schedule an appointment at Permian Basin Foot and Ankle by calling one of their three locations or use the online tool.