Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

A bunion is a foot deformity that happens when the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint — the joint at the bottom of the big toe — moves out of position. This joint movement causes a bony bump at the base of the toe. It’s also common for the big toe to push closer to or even overlap your next toe.

In addition, bunions can increase your risk of developing another type of foot deformity called hammertoe. In hammertoe, the middle joint of one of your smaller toes bends upward and won’t relax.

What symptoms do bunions cause?

Bunions can cause deformity in your feet, but that’s only the start of the issues that can come with this condition. Common bunion issues include: 

• Soreness or pain 
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Corns or calluses 

Bunions can also force you to change your footwear. When you have a prominent bunion, it’s nearly impossible to squeeze your foot into an enclosed shoe. 

Along with footwear issues, bunions can cause gait issues (problems with the way you walk). If your bunions cause discomfort when you walk, you might change your foot placement slightly without even knowing it. 

Over time, this shift in your weight distribution could cause additional problems in your feet — and possibly even alignment issues all the way up your body. 

What causes bunions?

The cause of bunions isn’t certain, but experts believe that a few factors may contribute, including foot shape and the way you walk. Shoes, such as high heels, don’t directly cause bunions. However, they can cause them to develop faster. 

Some conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and flat feet, may also increase your risk of developing bunions.

How are bunions treated?

Treatment of bunions depends on your particular situation. For small bunions that don’t cause severe symptoms, your podiatrist may recommend simple non-surgical treatments such as: 

• Oral anti-inflammatory medication
• Icing
• Toe splinting
• Taping
• Custom orthotics
• Padding

Non-surgical treatments can ease mild-to-moderate bunion symptoms and may also prevent your bunion from growing larger. 

However, surgery is the only way to remove a bunion completely. If your bunion causes persistent pain in your feet and other difficulties, your podiatrist may discuss bunion surgery options with you. Many bunion surgeries are minimally invasive and only require small incisions. 

For a full range of bunion treatment options, call the Paris Foot & Ankle Clinic office in Paris, Texas, or use the online booking page today.