Bunions…Don’t blame your shoes!

Don’t blame your shoes…

A bunion can be a very painful condition.

Bunions are excess bone that builds up, usually on the inside of the foot near the big toe.

It is a myth that narrow, high-heeled shoes are the cause of bunions. Bunions are almost always caused by genetics.

Bunions not only make the foot look different; they often deform your shoes and affect how you walk as well.

A bunion can cause the big toe to start leaning towards the second toe. The big toe can then either underlap or overlap the second toe. When the big toe affects the second toe, it becomes more difficult to wear certain shoes.

The only treatment for bunion pain you can do at home is to wear wider shoes. Over-the-counter products such as a bunion pad or splint are ineffective.

There are a couple of non-surgical treatments that we offer to help alleviate bunion symptoms. Many people may be good candidates for one of these treatments. In our practice, surgery is always the last resort.

But if a bunion becomes consistently painful and big enough, surgery can sometimes be the best option. Most bunions that are removed aren’t likely to come back, so a few weeks of healing can result in a lifetime of cure.

If you have a bunion and simply want to know what your options are, the first step is to come in for X-rays and an evaluation.

We welcome any questions you may have about bunions. Let us know how we can help you address any of your foot or ankle concerns.