Bunion

A bunion is a common foot deformity that worsens over time. The highly trained physicians at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee, recommend you come in as soon as you notice the bunion bump forming on the inside of your big toe. Many people unnecessarily suffer from bunion pain for years before seeking treatment. There’s no need to suffer; call the podiatry office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a bunion?

A bunion, also called a hallux valgus or hallux abducto, is a bump that forms on the side of the big toe. Misalignment of the bones that make up the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint — the first long bone in the foot (metatarsal) and the first bone in the big toe (phalanx) — causes the bunion. 

With a bunion, the bone in the big toe leans towards the second toe, while the long bone in the foot shifts towards the inside of the foot. Over time, the MTP joint enlarges and protrudes, creating the bunion bump.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

A bunion is a progressive condition that develops over several years. You may not have any symptoms until the later stages of the deformity when the bump appears, causing:

• Pain or soreness
• Inflammation and redness
• Burning or numbness

You may notice your symptoms are more severe after wearing shoes that crowd the toes. 

Though the type of shoe you wear may make your bunion worse, shoes aren’t usually the cause of the foot deformity. In most cases, a bunion occurs in people with an inherited faulty mechanical foot structure. 

When should I get help for a bunion?

You should get help for your bunion at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists as soon as you have symptoms. 

The podiatrists at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists can diagnose a bunion after a foot exam. They may ask about your symptoms, the type of shoes you wear, and your daily routine. 

Your provider may also take X-rays of the foot to determine the severity of your bunion and the best course of action.

What are the treatments for a bunion?

Treatment for a bunion depends on the severity of your condition and symptoms. In some cases, the podiatrists may only recommend regular monitoring. However, in most cases, some type of treatment is needed. 

Treatment can’t reverse your bunion, but it may reduce your discomfort. Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists recommends:

• Change in shoewear
• Use of foot padding
• Activity modifications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Icing
• Corticosteroid injections
• Custom orthotics

When nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief from your bunion pain, your podiatrist at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists may recommend surgery to remove the bump and correct the misalignment. 

Don’t wait for your bunion to get worse; call Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.