A bunion is a painful, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions develop slowly and form when the big toe pushes against your next toe. The pressure causes the big toe joint to become red, sore and stick out.
Bunions are caused by many different factors including medical conditions (arthritis), stress on the feet, inherited structural defects or wearing narrow shoes.
How do I know if I have a bunion?
You may have a bunion if your big toe joint is swollen, red or sore. These symptoms may be more apparent after you’ve worn shoes.
Other symptoms include a bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe, restricted movement in your big toe, persistent pain in your big toe, and corns or calluses.
How do I know when it’s time to see a foot care specialist?
While foot calluses are normal, bunions can be painful and can impact your everyday life. It may be in your best interest to see a foot care specialist if you experience the following:
- Decreased movement of your foot or big toe
- A bump on your big toe joint that’s enlarged and visible
- Persistent foot pain or pain in your big toe
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit correctly because of your big toe joint
Are there any complications associated with bunions?
Bunions are permanent unless surgically treated and, although they don’t typically cause complications, they could potentially lead to other foot conditions. These conditions include:
- Hammertoe: This condition is an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe. In most cases, hammertoe occurs in the toe next to the big toe with your bunion. Hammertoe can put pressure on the surrounding toes, causing pain and discomfort.
- Metatarsalgia: This condition causes inflammation and pain in the ball of the foot.
- Bursitis: This condition is caused when the bursae that cushion your bones, tendons and muscles surrounding your joints become inflamed. Bursae are small, fluid-filled pads.
Where can I find a foot doctor near me?
If you’re suffering from bunions and looking for a foot care specialist, you’re not alone. In fact, bunions occur in about 30% of the population in Western countries. Women are more commonly at risk for bunions.
Fortunately, the foot care specialists at Dynamic Foot and Ankle can help. For more information on foot and ankle conditions or to schedule an appointment for foot pain treatments, contact the foot care specialists at Dynamic Foot and Ankle today.
