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If you’ve started to develop a bunion, you may wonder what your next steps should be. Is there really any way you can prevent them from getting worse? The answer is yes. There are a few different routes you can take depending on the state of your bunion or what your foot will respond to the best.
The foot care specialists at Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center can evaluate your bunions and help you determine the best treatment option.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bump at the base of your big toe by the bone. It pushes on the big toe, which causes the joint to bend and lean toward your other toes. You may not notice it at first, but the worse or bigger it gets, the more pain it can cause whenever you step and put weight on your big toe. Wearing tight-fitting shoes can also aggravate this pain.
Additional symptoms of having a bunion can include:
- Swelling and redness
- Calluses
- Restricted movement of the big toe
Your pain might also come and go or remain constant. Any of these symptoms indicate that you probably have a bunion.
Where Did My Bunion Come From?
Bunions are very common. In fact, one in three Americans report having them. Even though the exact cause of bunions isn’t known, there are many factors that can put you at risk for developing them, including:
- Genetics. If you have family members who have bunions, it puts you at a much higher risk for developing them. Faulty foot structure is also hereditary and can add to your likelihood of forming a bunion.
- Poor-fitting shoes. Tight-fitting or pointy-toed shoes like high heels can create or severely aggravate a bunion. If you are on your feet a lot in your daily routine, wearing shoes that are wider or give your toes more wiggle room can help decrease the possibility of developing bunions.
These are the most common causes, but having rheumatoid arthritis or foot injuries can also increase your risk of bunions.
How Do I Stop the Progression of My Bunion?
Our team here at Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center recommends starting with conservative treatment options for your bunion that can stop its growth and alleviate pain. If you have pain after a lot of walking, you can take anti-inflammatory medications or rotate between placing heat and ice packs on the targeted area to manage it. Your provider can also offer cortisone injections for pain relief.
Investing in a good-fitting pair of shoes is a must. We recommend finding a pair of shoes that offers a wide toe box and plenty of arch support. If needed, your provider can help you acquire some custom orthotics that can give you extra support and help realign the joint.
Further Treatment Options
If your bunion doesn’t respond to these moderate treatment options, surgery may be the best approach to restore your mobility. Our practice offers minimal incision bunion surgery to reduce recovery time. We can help you determine what type of procedure will be best for your health needs.