A bunion is a bump that develops on the inside of the foot near the big toe. Bunions form when the joint near the big toe moves out of alignment, causing the bone to shift towards the inside of the foot. When this happens, the joint inflames and pushes out towards the inside of the foot, which causes the bunion bump.
Anyone can develop a bunion, but they are most commonly diagnosed in women. They may start small, but over time, bunions can grow and may even cause pain or discomfort when walking. If you notice any changes in your feet or suspect you may have a bunion, visit our team of foot doctors and podiatrists in Newtown, PA.
At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we offer a full range of comprehensive podiatry solutions for bunion treatment.
Bunions: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Bunions can be caused by a wide range of factors. Most commonly, bunions can form when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly. When the shoes don’t fit properly, the big toe gets pushed into the neighboring toes, which causes joint damage and may lead to permanent deformity.
If you are diagnosed with a bunion, the noticeable bump on your toe is caused by a change in the angle of the bone in your big toe. For some patients, the bump is painless; but for others, the bunion may lead to pain or discomfort when walking.
In many cases, bunions develop slowly and over time the structure of the bone begins to change, which leads to the bunion bump.
- Foot injuries
- Genetics
- Types of shoes
The Signs of Bunions
Because bunions form at the base of your big toe, they are typically noticeable to the untrained eye. In addition, some of the most common symptoms of bunions can include:
- An uncomfortable feeling when wearing shoes
- Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Limited range of motions in your toe
- Thick skin on the bottom of your big toe
- Persistent foot pain
- Tenderness or redness near the joint
In addition, the pain caused by a bunion may make it difficult to walk or put pressure on your feet, so be sure to contact our office if your foot pain persists or you notice any changes in the appearance of your big toe or the surrounding area.
Bunions Treatment Options
How the Lapiplasty® Procedure works from Treace Medical Concepts on Vimeo.
Doctors at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists in Bucks County offer an extensive range of conservative treatment options for bunions. The type of treatment a patient receives will depend on the severity of their case. To determine the best solution for a bunion, your podiatrist will perform a physical examination and may order an X-ray to rule out deformities or injuries.
The most common solutions for bunions include the following services:
- Custom made orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Padding or taping the foot into the appropriate position to reduce pressure on the bunion
In some cases, surgery may be recommended if non-surgical solutions are not right for you. The most common type of surgical solution for bunions is bunionectomy. During a bunionectomy, the position of the big toe is corrected by removing small fragments of bone and removing tissue from the affected area.
While traditional bunion surgery can yield excellent results, At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we offer an alternative to traditional bunion surgery called the Lapiplasty® Procedure. The Lapiplasty® Procedure is not only designed to address the cosmetic effects of bunions but it is also designed to target any structural issues as well.
The Lapiplasty® Procedure eliminates the need for cutting and shifting the metatarsal bone, which is a common technique used in traditional bunion surgery. Instead of cutting and shifting the bone, during this procedure, we simply rotate and shift the bone back into its normal position, which reduces the appearance of the bunion bump.
Bunions FAQs
To learn more about bunions and how we treat them, please read the answers to common questions we receive. Contact Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists if you have further questions or concerns.
Can you correct a bunion without surgery?
In mild cases, bunions can be treated with orthotics, injections of anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing comfortable shoes. In more severe cases, you may need to undergo surgery to repair the affected area.
Will bunions come back after surgery?
In some cases, your bunions may return years after surgery. However, this is often based on how you care for your feet following surgery. You may be at more risk of bunions because of your natural foot structure. As many as 25 percent of patients can have recurring bunions.
How long should you stay off your feet after bunion surgery?
After bunion surgery, we recommend patients stay off their feet for 3 to 6 weeks. Patients may experience some pain and swelling for up to six months after surgery.
What exercises fix bunions?
Some exercises can help treat bunions. Toe curls, toe circles, towel grips, marble pickups, and toe points are all good ways to exercise and can alleviate some bunion symptoms.
How can I prevent bunions?
While bunions have a genetic component, there are certain preventive measures you can take to help maintain healthy feet. Wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box, avoiding high heels, and maintaining a healthy foot posture can reduce the risk of bunion development and their progression.
Can bunions cause other foot problems?
Yes, without treatment, bunions can worsen and even lead to other foot issues. A condition called hammertoe, where the toes curl downward, is often associated with bunions.
Also, bursitis, a condition where there is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the joints. Metatarsalgia, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, can stem from bunions.
Can I wear regular shoes after bunion surgery?
You can wear regular shoes 6 weeks after bunion surgery. Directly after surgery, we suggest that you wear custom orthotics. You should wear surgical shoes until the 6-week mark.
Do bunions only affect older people?
Bunions do mostly affect adults but can develop at any age. This is simply because they develop due to wear and tear on the feet over time. There are instances where younger people get bunions, however.
Schedule An Appointment Today
If you are searching for bunion treatment in Newtown, PA, and Bucks County, visit our team of doctors at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists for the care you need. To schedule an appointment, call 215.234.3772 or request an appointment online.