Why do I have bunions?
Bunions are progressive joint issues that develop slowly over an extended period of time. This joint deformity leads to a permanent change in the shape of your joint as your big toe gets pushed out of alignment.
Improper footwear is a contributing factor for bunion development. For example, if you wear high heels or pointy shoes, your big toe can’t lie flat and straight. As it’s regularly forced to lean to the side, your big toe eventually starts staying in that abnormal position as the joint changes shape.
But it’s not just ill-fitting shoes that are the problem. Your likelihood of developing bunions is greater due to:
- Inherited faulty or weak joints
- Foot trauma or injury
- Arthritic conditions
Sometimes, similar bony bumps develop near your baby toe for the same reasons. This is often referred to as a bunionette or a tailor’s bunion.
What are the symptoms of bunions?
Bunions don’t always cause pain or discomfort, especially in the early stages. But you still need treatment to prevent progression.
As the joint deformity worsens, your toe stiffens up, and you have a decreased range of motion in your forefoot. The more severe your bunion becomes, the more likely you are to experience:
- Throbbing or intense pain
- Swelling and inflammation
- Redness and soreness
Because bunions lead to friction from shoes, you also have a higher likelihood of struggling with calluses and corns, which can add to your discomfort. If any of these bunion symptoms are affecting you, even if symptoms seem minor, contact Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center for an evaluation.
Do I need surgery for bunions?
Not always. Before going the surgical route, your provider may recommend conservative therapies to help alleviate your symptoms. Your physician may recommend resting your feet and wearing well-fitting shoes with a roomy toe box. They may also suggest custom orthotics to ensure you have the support that you need and to reposition the misaligned joint.
Your Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center provider may also recommend using anti-inflammatory medications, cold packs, or localized cortisone injections to help you manage your pain and reduce associated inflammation.
But if you have a more severe bunion deformity that just isn’t responsive to conservative treatments, surgery may be the best solution to relieve your pain and restore your mobility. The Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center team recommends minimally invasive surgery whenever possible, which results in fewer complications and quicker recovery times than traditional surgery. Regardless, your provider can determine the best surgical approach to meet your needs and accommodate your foot’s anatomy.
Book your bunion evaluation at Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center by calling the nearest office or booking online today.
