Bunions are bony protrusions on the side of the foot. They can be quite painful as the inside of your shoes rubs against them and produces friction throughout the day. Bunions do not go away on their own so you should seek treatment if you have them. Dr. Trinity Mereau, Dr. Steven Walters, or Dr. Shine John, the skilled podiatrists at Capital Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Austin, can provide bunion relief by developing a treatment plan tailored to you.
How Bunions Develop
Bunions can form when the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is the joint connecting the big toe to the foot, becomes dislocated. When this joint is out of place the big toe leans toward the smaller ones, causing the joint to protrude out the side of the foot. The bony protrusion that is produced is known as a bunion, but can also be referred to as hallux valgus.
The bony protrusion looks like a bump on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe. The bump can become inflamed and irritated as the interior of your shoes rub against it throughout the day. When footwear irritates bunions, it can lead to discomfort, pain, redness, or a burning sensation.
Several factors can cause the joint to become dislocated and eventually result in the formation of bunions. A toe or foot injury is one such cause. Other causes include foot deformities and medical conditions, such as arthritis. Wearing narrow or tight-fitting shoes that squeeze the toes together can also result in a dislocated toe joint and the development of bunions.
Bunion Treatments
You should seek treatment for bunions as they will not go away on their own. Left untreated, the pain and discomfort will persist and could get worse. Additionally, other foot problems could occur. For instance, some individuals with bunions also develop hammertoes. The experienced podiatrists at our office in Austin can discuss bunion treatment options with you. Examples of treatment methods include:
- Removing corns and calluses on the feet
- Wearing shoes with adequate room for the toes to move freely
- Inserting padding in the shoes to reduce friction and provide cushioning
- Placing custom orthotics inside the shoes to stabilize the toe joint
- Performing foot exercises to improve the functioning of the toe joint
- Wearing a night splint to realign the metatarsophalangeal joint
In severe cases when other treatment methods have not provided sufficient relief, surgery is an option. Surgery can be performed for several purposes, such as realigning the dislocated metatarsophalangeal toe joint or removing swollen tissue around the toe joint. Other reasons for bunion surgery include removing a portion of the bone in the big toe or fusing the big toe joints together.
If you have bunions, you could benefit from treatment. Dr. Mereau, Dr. Walters, or Dr. John can develop an individualized treatment plan for you. For relief from your bunions, call Capital Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Austin at (512) 474-6666.