A bunion is a bony growth on the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which connects the big toe to the rest of your foot. When you have a bunion, the big toe leans into the next toe and may even overlap it in some cases.
The more your big toe tilts to the side, the more the joint below it pushes outwards. Bunions create a bump at the base of your big toe, which can grow larger over time. The skin above a bunion may appear red, rough, and raw because of frequent friction while wearing shoes.
Many people inherit a foot type that's prone to developing bunions. If you’re at risk, several factors can trigger bunion growth, with the most common examples being arthritis, tight shoes like high heels, and repeated foot stress.
If your bunion causes pain, difficulty walking, embarrassment, or all of these issues, it's time to book an appointment at DeLoor Podiatry Associates. Bunions are progressive, so the problem will only get worse if you ignore it or avoid treatment.
DeLoor Podiatry Associates offers bunion management and bunion surgery. The team can explain all the options and help you decide on the best approach.
Bunion management helps control bunion symptoms like pain and stiffness. Some of the most common bunion management approaches include foot padding, custom orthotics, and oral pain medication. Changing your shoes, like selecting shoes with more toe room, can also help.
These bunion management measures don't remove the bunion, but they can greatly improve your comfort and may slow down progression.
Bunion surgery is the only way to remove the bunion. There are many types of bunion surgery, but the ultimate goal is always to remove the excess bone and restore normal MTP joint alignment.
This may involve internal fixation with pins, screws, and plates in some cases. The DeLoor Podiatry Associates team can frequently use advanced minimally invasive techniques to remove your bunion with a minimum of downtime.
The DeLoor Podiatry Associates team can recommend the bunion solution that works best for you, so call the office nearest you or click the online appointment maker for help.
