Bunions

What causes bunions?

Bunions are a protrusion at the base of your big toe. 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 all contribute to the development of bunions.

If you wear those shoes regularly and your big toe continues to get pushed out of proper alignment 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 for bunions, there are several other reasons why you’re more likely to develop them. Your chances of bunions can increase because of a previous injury or trauma, severe arthritis, or inherited foot shape due to genetics.

Because bunions are progressive, meaning they’re only going to get worse without proper treatment, it’s important to see your podiatrist as soon as you start noticing a bunion 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 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 develop a hammertoe, a joint deformity most commonly occurring in your second toe. No matter how minor or severe your bunions may be, Feet First Institute of Beavercreek offers plenty of treatment solutions.

How are bunions treated?

Treating bunions often begins with a thorough diagnosis. Dr. Giambi 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, they 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, your dedicated podiatrist can realign your affected joint and remove any damaged tissue. Because Dr. Giambi uses advanced minimally invasive techniques for bunion surgeries, you can expect a faster recovery.

Book your bunion exam at Feet First Institute of Beavercreek today. Click on the online scheduler or call your nearby location to book.