Is a Bunion Developing on Your Foot?

Bunions don't develop overnight. At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we sometimes have patients come in complaining of intermittent pain at the base of their big toe or some redness or swelling around the toe and are surprised the doctor diagnoses a bunion. While most of us think of the telltale bump on the side of the toe as a sign of a bunion, that is the visible manifestation of a deformity that has been developing for a while.

Beneath the Surface

In simplest terms, a bunion forms when the joint in your big toe begins to move out of place, pushing the big toe up against the other toes. Over time the joint becomes more inflamed and enlarged, causing the bony enlargement at the toe's base to form. Other bunion symptoms that may precede or accompany the bump include:

  • Difficulty wearing certain shoes

  • Limited movement of the big toe

  • Thickening skin around the base of the toe

  • Corns or calluses form where the toes overlap or on the bony enlargement

Bunion Causes

There's more than one reason why bunions form. For some people, bunions are the result of an inherited faulty foot structure. Other potential causes include:

Bunions can also be the result of your footwear choices. High heels that force your foot forward and shoes with narrow toe boxes that squeeze the toes together can exacerbate the tendency for bunions.

Treatment

The first step is to evaluate your foot pain by our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, to see if a bunion is forming or if another podiatric disorder is the cause of your discomfort. The foot doctor may order an x-ray or other imaging study to diagnose and determine how far a bunion has progressed. Once the doctor diagnoses a bunion, they can put a plan together. We always start with the most conservative treatments possible. Padding to protect the bunion helps reduce pain and the risk of corns and calluses. In some cases, a custom orthotic device for your shoes may help slow bunion progression.

Suppose surgical repair is the best option for your bunion. In that case, we offer minimally invasive surgical procedures which can have you back to living your active life in far less time than traditional surgeries. To learn more, contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 for an appointment.

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