Bunions

A bunion is a bump that generally forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions occur at joints, where your toes naturally bend. If your big toe pushes against your other toes, they will overlap and cause the big toe bone to stick out. This results in a bunion. The bunion can rub against footwear and cause pain. If you notice a painful bump near your big toe, contact our podiatrist in Douglaston to determine whether or not you may have a bunion.

Causes Of Bunions

Some risk factors that can cause bunions include but are not limited to:

• Neuromuscular problems that affect the feet such as flat feet
• Footwear that is tight and/or narrow
• Recurring stress to the foot
• Previous foot injuries
• Congenital defects
• Arthritis

Symptoms Of Bunions

You may experience the following symptoms if you are developing or currently have a bunion:

• Experiencing pain and discomfort when walking
• Experiencing pain and discomfort when your foot rubs against your shoe
• Swelling or tenderness near or around the affected area
• Redness near the affected area
• Thickened skin on the bottom of the foot near the bunion

Our podiatrist in Douglaston can help you determine the correct diagnoses based on your symptoms.

Bunion Treatments

• Apply ice
• Rest the area and avoid motions that apply pressure to the affected joint
• Wear loose-fitting, non-constricting footwear that does not put pressure on the bunion
• Insert orthotics into footwear to provide stability and correct positioning
• Stretch the area with specific exercises to keep the joint mobile
• Splint the area during sleep to encourage proper joint alignment, which is preferred for younger people suffering from bunions because their bones are still developing
• Receive a cortisone injection to reduce joint inflammation
• Remove corns or calluses
• Have a bunionectomy, or surgery to remove the bunion and realign the toe, if necessary

Untreated bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe. You may also develop arthritis and bursitis in the joint area.

Bunion Prevention

Some tips to prevent bunions from forming include:

• Wearing footwear that is supportive and properly fitted
• Detecting early signs of bunions so you can seek appropriate medical support for proper treatments that can slow or stop the development of the bunion

If you detect early signs of a bunion or you are currently suffering from a bunion, schedule an appointment with Great Neck Family Foot Care today. Our podiatrist in Douglaston will get you started with the appropriate bunion treatment for you.