Information on Bunions

Bunions are deformities caused by the misalignment of the big toe joint. Characterized by a protrusion at the base of the joint, these deformities gradually worsen over time, making walking—or even wearing shoes—painful. Since these deformities involve bone, they won't heal on their own. However, bunions don't have to cramp your style or stop you from doing the things you love. With the proper treatment, you can find relief and get back on your feet.

Keep reading to learn more about bunion causes and treatment options, including the conservative and advanced interventions offered at Grandville Foot and Ankle.

How Bunions Form 

Bunions don't appear overnight. Instead, they develop slowly, over time, in response to pressure placed on the joint of the big toe, also known as the metatarsophalangeal joint. This long-term pressure can actually change the normal structure of the bones in the foot, causing the tip of the big toe to lean toward the smaller toes and the base of the joint to jut out unnaturally.

Sometimes called hallux valgus, these are the most common type of bunion, affecting an estimated up to one in three adults in the United States. However, they aren't the only type of bunion that occurs. For example, when a bunion forms on the little toe, rather than the big toe, it is called a tailor's bunion or bunionette.

Additionally, though bunions are typically diagnosed in adults, kids, teenagers, and even infants can suffer from them as well. In babies, the condition is known as congenital hallux valgus. When diagnosed in children and teens between the ages of 10 and 15, it is called juvenile or adolescent hallux valgus.

Symptoms 

In addition to the bump at the base of the big toe, bunions can also cause:

• Redness, swelling, and inflammation
• Numbness
• Pain and tenderness 
• Calluses or corns on the bunion, or where the big toe rubs against little toes
• Hardened skin on the sole of the foot 
• Stiffness and limited movement of the big toe
• A burning sensation that occurs when trying to bend the affected toe
• Hammertoes
• Trouble wearing regular shoes 
• Difficulty walking

Seeking professional help for a bunion in its earliest stages may help you avoid more extreme complications, such as having trouble walking or developing hammertoes.

Risk Factors 

While bunions can affect anyone, there are a number of factors that may increase your risk of developing this common deformity, including:

• Age and sex. Bunions are particularly prevalent among women and older individuals.
• Family history. Genes inherited foot structure problems (like flatfeet), and whether another person in the family has the deformity can play a role in bunion formation.
• Other medical problems. Suffering from inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, or conditions like cerebral palsy or polio may make bunions more likely.
• Time on your feet. Standing for long periods is a requirement at many jobs. Unfortunately, it is also a major risk factor for developing bunions, as the pressure your feet sustain can weaken the metatarsophalangeal joint, resulting in the misalignment that leads to bunion deformities.
• Shoe fit and design. Wearing shoes that don't fit correctly or are too narrow in the toe box creates conditions that can allow bunions to form.
• Joint issues. Having particularly flexible joints can make some individuals more prone to bunions

Diagnosis 

Bunions are relatively easy for podiatrists to diagnose, thanks to the recognizable protrusion. In addition to a thorough examination of the affected foot, your podiatrist may also order X-rays to assess the severity of the misalignment and potential joint damage.

Nothing will get rid of your bunion except surgery, however, there are a lot of things you can do conservatively to slow down the progression of your bunion. Read our information on conservative treatment. If this does not work or help to resolve your symptoms, then it likely is time to discuss surgical options.

To have surgery or not to have surgery, the best options for treatment of my bunion!

Not ready for surgery? You came to the right place. Our office has everything you may need from bunion splints, padding, and other OTC items you may need.

Advanced Treatment Options

I think I’m ready for surgery:

There are many procedure types for bunions including head, shaft, and base procedures. Different procedures have different post-op recovery times that can require weight bearing in a boot and no weight bearing in a cast. Depending on the bunion deformity and what your goals are, we work to help you find the right procedure for you. Picking the right procedure for you is very important because it can help minimize reoccurrence rates of the bunion coming back in your lifetime, but can also help you make an informed decision on how long it will take you to get back to normal activities that you love to do. Our doctor takes into consideration both your lifestyle and goals and compares them to your bunion and other forefoot deformities and makes a plan WITH you. Visit our surgery page for more info. 

What’s new in bunion surgery?

We are up to date on all the new technologies and ways of doing surgery, including lapiplasty and minimally invasive bunion surgeries. If you think these options may benefit you or you are not sure if one of these may be a better option for you, come talk to our specialized doctor in bunion surgery. We will explain all the different surgeries with regard to bunions and will both educate you and be your partner in regard to surgical correction of your bunion. We want you to make a better-informed decision based on what will work best for you considering your symptoms, age, job, daily activities, current medical history, and any other concerns you may have.

Contact us and we will guide you through everything you need to know to reduce your pain and symptoms with your bunions and how you can correct them.
 

Providing the Highest Standard of Care for Bunions and Other Foot Deformities 

At Grandville Foot and Ankle, we're committed to providing the highest standard of care and the best possible solutions to your podiatric problems. Our podiatrist, Dr. Sarah Stewart, will work with you to craft a treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals, so you can feel confident in your care.

Contact us to schedule an appointment to have your feet evaluated by Dr. Stewart. Don't wait—act now to take the first step toward better foot health.