What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. Over time, pressure on this joint causes the big toe to lean toward the second toe, shifting the bones, tendons and ligaments out of alignment. This can lead to pain, swelling and difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably.
Bunions tend to develop gradually and are more common in women, often due to footwear choices such as narrow or high-heeled shoes. However, genetics and certain medical conditions can also play a role. Left untreated, bunions can worsen and may contribute to additional problems like bursitis, hammer toes or arthritis.
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What Causes Bunions?
You may be more likely to develop a bunion if you:
- Frequently wear narrow, tight or high-heeled shoes
- Have a family history of bunions or flat feet
- Have arthritis or an inflammatory joint condition (like rheumatoid arthritis)
- Have a neuromuscular disorder
- Experience repetitive micro-trauma to the foot
Women and older adults are particularly at risk, as are individuals whose occupations or sports require long periods of standing, walking or wearing restrictive footwear.
Bunion Symptoms
Common symptoms of bunions include:
- A visible bump at the base of the big toe
- Pain or tenderness over the bump, especially when wearing shoes
- Redness, swelling or inflammation at the joint
- Hardened skin or callus on the inside edge of the foot
- Restricted motion of the big toe
- Changes in foot shape, including crowding or overlapping of toes
Pain may start intermittently and worsen over time, eventually becoming constant or severe enough to limit activity.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Diagnosis of a bunion is typically straightforward and confirmed through:
- Physical examination to assess deformity and tenderness
- X-rays to measure alignment and determine the severity of the joint displacement
- Evaluation for arthritis or other structural abnormalities in the foot
In most cases, bunions are treated without surgery. Nonsurgical treatments are aimed at reducing pain, relieving pressure and preventing progression of the deformity. These may include:
- Wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box and low heel
- Protective pads or silicone sleeves to cushion the bump
- Orthotics or shoe inserts (custom or over-the-counter) to improve alignment and relieve pressure
- Icing to reduce inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
- Night splints or toe spacers, which may help with comfort though they do not correct the deformity
If pain persists despite conservative treatment or the bunion interferes with walking or shoe wear, surgical correction may be considered.
- Bunion surgery involves removing the bony prominence, cutting and realigning bones (osteotomy), or fusing joints to relieve pain.
- Procedures range from simple bone shaving to complex fusions or minimally invasive techniques
- Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or surgery center
- Depending on the type of bunion surgery performed, you may be advised to limit your walking in a surgical shoe or CAM walker (boot). In certain situations, you may be advised to use an assisted device such as crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter after surgery.
Recovery from bunion surgery varies depending on the procedure but typically includes a period of immobilization, protected weightbearing and physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
Treat Bunions at OrthoNebraska
Looking for relief from bunions in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
