Bunions Treatment in Northern Indiana

What is a Bunion?

Bunions are an abnormal, large bony structure that can develop on the joint at the bottom of the big toe, which is the result of misalignment of the bones in the front of the foot. This pulls the end of your big toe toward your other toes and makes the joint at the bottom of your big toe stick out, and there may be pain and redness of the skin around the bunion.

bunions

Common Symptoms of Bunions

The signs and symptoms of a bunion include:

  • A lump at the base of your big toe that sticks out.
  • Your big toe joint swells, turns red, and is sore
  • When the first and second toes rub against each other, if often forms corns and calluses
  • Pain that is always there or pain that comes and goes
  • Your big toe has limited movement

Bunions FAQs

What Causes Bunions?

Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow could cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions can also be caused by the shape of your foot, a deformity in your foot, or a health problem like arthritis.

What Increases the Risk of Bunions?

These factors may increase your risk of getting bunions:

  • Wearing high heels - When you wear high heels, your toes are forced to the front of your shoes. This can make your toes feel crowded
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly - People are more likely to get bunions if they wear shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or too pointy
  • Rheumatoid arthritis - If you have this inflammation, you may be more likely to get bunions
  • Genetics - The tendency to get bunions could be caused by a problem with the structure or anatomy of your foot that you were born with

What Complications Come from Bunions?

  • Bursitis - This happens when the small fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones near your joints get inflamed
  • Hammertoe - Pain and pressure can be caused by a bend in the middle joint of a toe, usually the toe next to your big toe

How do I Prevent Bunions?

The best way to help is to make sure you choose your shoes carefully. The ideal shoe should have a wide toe box and no pointy ends, giving enough space between the end of the shoe and the longest toe. Your shoes should fit your feet without squeezing or putting pressure on any part of your foot.

Treatment for Bunions

Treatment options vary depending on how severe your condition is and how much pain it may be causing.
Nonsurgical treatments that may relieve the pain and pressure include:

  • Changing shoes
  • Bunion pads
  • Medications
  • Shoe inserts
  • Ice

If surgery is needed due to the severity of the condition, the procedure may include:

  • Removing the swollen and damaged tissue around the big toe joint
  • Removing a part of the bone to help straighten the big toe
  • Realigning bones to a more normal position to help correct the angle in the joint of the big toe
  • Fusing the bones of the affected joint

Bunions Care in Michiana

If you are struggling with bunion pain, our team of physicians here at OSMC is eager to help you get back on your feet pain-free. Contact us today at (574)207-0043 or set up an appointment online.