Bunions Specialist

What causes Bunions?

When it comes to Bunions, your footwear is often to blame. Regularly wearing pointy shoes, high heels, or shoes with a small toe box can contribute to the development of Bunions. Each time you slip on those snug shoes, your big toe gets pushed out of proper alignment. 

If you wear those shoes regularly and your big toe continues to get pushed into your smaller toes, your toe joint actually starts to change shape — permanently. This is why you develop that large bony bump on the side of the base of your toe.

Although ill-fitting footwear is often to blame when it comes to Bunions, there are several other reasons why you’re more likely to develop them. Your chances of Bunions increase because of:

• Previous injury or trauma
• Inherited foot shape
• Severe arthritis

Bunions are progressive, meaning they’re only going to get worse without proper treatment, so it’s important to see your podiatrist as soon as you suspect a Bunion is forming. 

Do Bunions cause symptoms?

Yes, and though that large bony bump at the base of your big toe is the most obvious sign of a Bunion, several other symptoms can also arise. A Bunion can lead to:

• Pain and swelling
• Redness and inflammation
• Joint stiffness
• Corns and calluses

Plus, if you have a Bunion, you’re highly likely to also develop a hammertoe, which is a joint deformity that most commonly occurs in your second toe. No matter how minor or how severe your Bunions may be, you have plenty of treatment solutions available at Southwest Foot & Ankle.

How are Bunions treated?

Treating Bunions often begins with a thorough diagnosis. At Southwest Foot & Ankle, Dr. Hugentobler spends time evaluating your symptoms, examining your Bunions, and looking at X-ray imaging, if needed. Once he better understands the severity of your joint deformity, he can design a treatment plan, which may include:

• Padding or taping
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications

Although you can certainly get relief from a throbbing Bunion with these therapies, they won’t correct your Bunion. If your Bunion is getting worse, or if conservative treatments aren’t enough, it might be time to consider Bunion surgery (Bunionectomy).

During your customized Bunion surgery, Dr. Hugentobler can realign your affected joint and remove any damaged tissue. Because the team at Southwest Foot & Ankle uses advanced minimally invasive techniques for Bunion surgeries, you can expect an easier and faster recovery.

Book your Bunion exam at Southwest Foot & Ankle by calling the office or booking online today.