Bunions

What are bunions?

Bunions, a common foot deformity, develop when the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of your big toe swells and forces your big toe to rotate inward. With this big toe movement, extra pressure is placed on your other toes.

Sometimes, the big toe can eventually overlap your second toe. Bunions can be painful and frustrating, and they can eventually even make it hard to walk without pain.

What causes bunions?

Bunions are often thought of as an inherited problem, but technically, you inherit the poor foot type rather than the actual tendency toward bunions.

Bunions can also be caused by foot injuries, inflammatory conditions like arthritis, and neuromuscular disorders.

Tight shoes that constrict your toes and force them together like high heels can also contribute to bunion formation. This may be a leading reason why bunions are more common in women than in men.

What is the best way to remove a bunion?

Bunions don't go away on their own, so you'll need help from an experienced podiatrist like Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo to resolve the issue. Depending on the severity of your bunion and symptoms, one of the following treatments may work for you.

• Padding - covers the side of your bunion to alleviate pain
• Taping - keeps your big toe in the proper position
• Injections - cortisone or anti-inflammatory injections alleviate pain and inflammation
• Orthotics - custom orthotics can improve your foot function overall
• Ultrasound - ultrasound or other physiotherapy techniques can relieve inflammation
  
  

If non-surgical treatments don't help, Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo may suggest surgical correction in which they remove the bony bump and, if necessary, realign the toe joint.

Part of your bunion recovery involves lifestyle changes. This may be as simple as a footwear change, such as exchanging high heels for shoes that don't constrict your toes. You may also need to wear orthotics to help preserve your foot function going forward, which will help prevent future bunions.

You don't have to live with bunion pain or problems any longer. Use the online appointment maker or call Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center to schedule your visit with Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo today.