Bunion Treatment Options
A bunion is a boney bump that forms on the joint at the base of the biggest toe, where it attaches to the foot. A bunion is formed when the biggest toe deviates towards the other toe as the base of the big toe pushes outward on the first metatarsal bone.
Bunions can be caused by wearing poor fitting or narrow shoes. They can also occur due to your natural structure, stress on your foot, or because of arthritis.
A bunion occurs at the joint, which means that your body weight rests on the bunion when you step. Because of this added pressure, bunions can be extremely painful.
Symptoms
Bunions are bumps on the side of the foot by the base of the big toe joint. A similar condition that forms at the base of the smallest toe joint is called a bunionette.
Symptoms of a bunion include:
- Bulge or bump on the base of the big toe joint
- Redness, swelling, soreness around your big toe joint
- Thickening of the skin around your big toe joint
- Pain
- Restricted movement of the big toe
Treatment
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your bunion and the amount of pain or discomfort it is causing you. Treatment options could include:
- Different shoes — Choose shoes that provide plenty of space for your toes to stretch.
- Padding or splinting — Your podiatrist can help you choose ways to tape your toes into normal positions to alleviate pain.
- Shoe Supports — Shoe inserts that will help support your foot, distributing your weight evenly and relieving some of the weight from the bunion.
- Medication — Medication can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Ice — Ice can help relieve the pain, soreness, or inflammation.
- Surgery — Surgery is an option if other intervention fails to correct a bunion, or if a bunion is causing consistent pain.
When to Seek Help
Bunions can seem harmless, but it’s best to seek treatment sooner rather than later, to prevent the bunion from becoming worse. It is especially important to seek treatment if the pain persists or you have decreased movement of the toe.
Dr. Anthony LaMarra offers bunion treatment for patients in Houston, Texas. For more information on bunion treatment, contact Dr. LaMarra today.