Bunions

Up to one-third of adults in the United States have bunions: bony growths that form on the outside edge of the big toe. At Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. in Arcadia, California, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons Caitlyn Lee, DPM, AACFAS, and Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS, offer high-quality care for bunions of all sizes, including custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and, if necessary, surgery. Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. today to schedule a bunion consultation, or book your appointment online. 

Do bunions only affect women?

It’s true that women are more likely to have bunions, but these abnormal growths can affect anyone. 

Bunions form when the bones in your forefoot change position due to your gait (how you walk) or general wear-and-tear. Over time, these changes cause your big toe (metatarsophalangeal) joint to bulge outward, forming a noticeable deformity. 

As bunions get bigger, they cause pain and inflammation and may affect mobility. 

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunion symptoms include:

• Big toe numbness
• Corns, calluses, or blisters
• Problems wearing shoes
• Pain and burning

Sometimes, bunions cause your toe joint to lock in a bent position, a condition known as a hammertoe.

When should I seek medical help for a bunion?

Make an appointment at Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. if you have a large, bony growth on the outside of your big toe that affects your mobility or quality of life. That’s particularly true if the bunion is red, swollen, and interferes with your ability to work, exercise, or perform routine tasks.

How does a podiatrist diagnose bunions?

Your Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your big toe and big toe joints. They check for swelling, redness, and bruising and assess your big toe’s range of motion. 

Bunions are easy to identify, but your podiatrist might order X-rays or CT scans to evaluate the position of the bones at the front of your foot and check for joint damage. 

How are bunions treated?

Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. treats bunions using a conservative and minimally invasive approach whenever possible. Depending on your age and symptoms, your provider might suggest:

• Bunion pads and taping
• Custom orthotics
• Wearing shoes with a wide toe box
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

If these treatments don’t provide significant relief, or the bunion prevents you from walking, you might be a candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery (bunionectomy). 

During a bunionectomy, your surgeon uses hand-held instruments to realign the bones at the front of your foot and bring your big toe back into the proper position. 

Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. today to schedule bunion treatment, or book your appointment online.