Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

Bunions are joint enlargements that appear as a bony bump on your foot. Most bunions affect your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of your big toe. If you have a bunion, your joint travels out of position, forcing your big toe to skew sharply toward your other toes. As your toe bends the wrong way, the bony lump on the side of your foot appears. 

Because your MTP joint bears considerable weight when you walk, run, and stand, a bunion can be quite painful and may lead to severe joint stiffness, difficulty moving normally, and even permanent changes in your foot bones. 

Sometimes bunions can develop in your little toe joint, where it's called a bunionette. Bunions are often caused by genetics. If you inherit faulty foot mechanics, wearing high heels or an uneven gait can lead to bunions. 

What are the signs of a bunion?

The hallmark sign of a bunion is a big hard bump on the outer edge of your foot, at the bottom of your big toe. Common symptoms in the affected area include:

• Red skin
• Swelling
• Stiffness

You may also develop other foot issues because of a bunion. For example, your big toe overlapping your nearby toe or toes can cause corns from constant friction. Uneven pressure on the balls of your feet could also cause calluses. An untreated bunion could lead to other conditions, like hammertoe or mallet toe, as well.

How can I reduce or remove bunions?

Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas offers many treatments to reduce or remove bunions, based on your particular bunion and how severe your symptoms are. Treatment may include:

• Padding
• Taping
• Custom orthotics
• Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections
• Prescription toe exercises
• Therapeutic ultrasound treatment

If you don't respond to conservative approaches, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. The Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas podiatrists are accomplished surgeons who can expertly correct the joint deformity to reduce or remove your bunion. 

A bunion isn't just a bump, it's a serious joint problem, and that's why you need treatment from a foot specialist. Reach out to Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas to get bunion help now. Call either office or book online anytime.