5 Symptoms of Bunions and How They're Treated

Bunions are an extremely common foot problem that can affect anyone, often causing significant discomfort and affecting daily activities. They appear as a pronounced bump on the joint at the base of the big toe and are a result of displacement of the foot bone. 

While bunions are visible physical changes, many people aren’t aware of the variety of symptoms that come along with them. At Precision Foot & Ankle Center, we have a dedicated team of professionals who are well-versed in diagnosing and treating bunions, helping our patients reclaim their mobility and live without foot pain. In this post, we'll highlight the key symptoms of bunions and delve into some effective treatment options. 

What causes bunions?

Bunions develop when the balance of forces exerted on the joints and tendons of your feet is disrupted. This imbalance prompts changes to the structure of your foot, resulting in the bony protrusion of a bunion. Typically bunions develop slowly over time and can be instigated by various factors.

One primary factor is wearing tight, narrow shoes, or high heels, which force the toes into an unnatural position. For this reason, bunions are more common in women.

Also, if your foot is under extreme stress or pressure — be it from a foot injury or a medical condition such as arthritis — you may be more susceptible to developing a bunion. 

Lastly, heredity plays a part. If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you are more likely to develop them too. The inherited shape and structure of your foot might make you more susceptible to the condition.

What are some symptoms of bunions?

Following are five common symptoms of bunions to watch for:

Visible bump on the big toe

The most obvious symptom of a bunion is a prominent, bony bump that appears on the side of your foot. This lump can often make it difficult to fit into certain types of shoes and can cause a general discomfort when walking or standing.

Pain and tenderness

The area around a bunion can be extremely tender to the touch. This pain may not be constant, but it tends to intensify with prolonged standing or walking, or when wearing tight shoes.

Inflammation and redness

As bunions progress, they can cause persistent inflammation and redness around the joint. This is a result of the body's natural response to protect the area and can add to the discomfort felt.

Limited movement of the big toe

A less noticeable but significant symptom of a bunion is the limited movement of your big toe. You may find it difficult to flex or move your toe, and it may slowly start to lean towards your other toes.

Corns and calluses

Due to the altered positioning of the toes, corns and calluses can develop between or on the top of the toes. These hardened areas of skin can be painful and add to the overall discomfort caused by a bunion.

Bunions treated at Precision Foot & Ankle Center

At Precision Foot & Ankle Center, we provide a range of treatment options for bunions, depending on their severity. Nonsurgical treatments may include modifying footwear, using shoe inserts, or padding the bunion.

Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections can also help to relieve pain and inflammation. In severe cases, our experienced surgeons can perform bunion surgery to realign the bone, joints, and ligaments so that the foot can function normally again.

If you suspect you have a bunion, it's important to seek professional advice before the condition worsens. Contact us at Precision Foot & Ankle Center in West Bloomfield, Michigan for expert care and treatment.