A bunion is a bulge that develops around the base of your big toe. Sometimes smaller bunions (called bunionettes) form at the base of your little toe. This disfigurement causes pain and affects the way you walk. At Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists, the experienced podiatric team treats bunions using conservative means when possible and surgery when necessary. Call their office in Bradenton, University Park, or Ellenton, Florida, today or request your visit online.
Bunions happen when the big toe is pushed inward toward the second toe. This gradually creates a large bump that can interfere with walking, how your shoes fit, and cause discomfort.
Bunions can also form at the base of the little toe. These bunionettes are less common than bunions near the big toe, but they can also cause pain and dysfunction.
You can inherit foot problems that put you at risk of developing bunions. Shoes don’t cause bunions, but wearing styles like high heels or pointy toes can cause them to grow faster and make them extra painful.
You’ll notice a large bump just behind your big toe and next to the ball of your foot. You’ll feel pain, especially if you wear tight shoes that push on the bunion. The bunion can also look red and feel irritated.
Your doctor will usually begin treating bunions by suggesting that you wear shoes with a wider toe box and extra padding. You might also be asked to stay off your feet more often, ice the bunion, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to ease the pain.
Your Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists provider can also fit you with customized orthotics. These shoe inserts offer additional support to ease bunion pain.
But what if your bunion fails to get better after these treatments and continues to prevent you from doing things you enjoy? In that case, you’ll probably need surgery to correct it.
The exact surgery you’ll need will depend on the bunion itself. Generally surgery:
Your surgery will be done in the surgery center at the Bradenton office of Cruz Foot & Ankle Specialists. You’ll be able to go home the day of your surgery and might even be able to put weight on your foot shortly after surgery.
If you have a bulge at your big toe joint that you suspect is a bunion, seek care at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists. Call the nearest office or use this website to request an appointment.
