Causes and Symptoms of Bunions

Causes and Symptoms of Bunions

A bunion won't go away by itself. In fact, this bony prominence at the base of your big toe will worsen unless you seek treatment from your foot doctor in Carmel and Indianapolis, IN, Dr. Jeffrey Agricola. At Prestige Podiatry, Dr. Agricola uses innovative strategies for this age-old acquired deformity, managing its pain and other symptoms.

Just what is a bunion?

It's a bump that develops at the bottom of the big toe. Unfortunately, it is not only unattractive, but it causes pain in the joint and skin irritation from friction inside your shoe.

Additionally, it changes the structure of the foot as a whole. The larger the bunion is, the more the big toe angles in toward the second and third toes, even crossing over them, impacting the ability to walk comfortably and put on shoes.

Causes and symptoms of bunions

While age plays a role in bunion development, inherited foot structure factors in as well. Add tight, narrow-toed shoes, and bunions begin. Accordingly, older women seem to develop bunions more often and more quickly, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

Symptoms of bunions include:

  • An obvious bump
  • Redness and soreness caused by friction
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Pain when walking

Treating bunions

At Prestige Podiatry in Carmel and Indianapolis, IN, your foot doctor will go over your symptoms, examine your foot and take X-rays to determine how your bunion impacts the rest of your foot structure. While some people require a bunionectomy to remove the excess bone and straighten the toe joint, most people do well with more conservative strategies.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Shoe padding to reduce friction inside the shoe
  • Orthotics inside the shoe to correct biomechanical imbalances
  • A change in shoes to ones with low heels and roomy toe boxes
  • Analgesics, such as ibuprofen, for pain and swelling
  • Steroidal injections for any associated bursitis
  • Corn and callus removal

Better walking, better feet

If you suspect you're developing a bunion, please contact Prestige Podiatry for an appointment with your foot doctor, Dr. Jeffrey Agricola. Let us help you feel your best and keep your active lifestyle. We have two locations. For Indianapolis, IN, phone us at (317) 881-0070, or in Carmel, call (317) 846-4111.