Bunion Treatment

Bunions are bumps that form from the bone at the base of the big toe when pressure shifts the bones in the front of the foot out of alignment, causing the big toe to lean in toward the other toes. This makes the joint at the bottom of the big toe poke out, causing a bony bump to form. Bunions cause pain when walking and also make footwear uncomfortable. If you suspect you have a bunion or bunions, our board-certified podiatrist in Flower Mound, TX can provide the bunion treatment you need to walk without pain again.

What Causes Bunions?

Regular pressure that discombobulates the joint where the big toe connects to the foot, the place where your foot bends when you walk, is what pushes the big toe out of alignment, causing a painful bunion. When this happens to the joint on the little toe, a “bunionette” can form on the outside of the foot.

Some types of pressure that can cause bunions include:

Ill-fitting footwear (too tight or too narrow, including high heels with narrow toe boxes)

Arthritis

An overuse injury

Genetics can also play a big role in the formation of bunions. Low arches, flat feet, loose tendons, and loose joints can make some people’s feet more likely to shift out of position.

Bunion Symptoms

Symptoms of a bunion often manifest over a long period of time. As the bones, ligaments, and tendons shift out of alignment, the bulging lump at the base of the big toe will start to appear, in addition to these other symptoms:

Swelling and irritation on the bump

Color changes on the skin around the joint

Friction with footwear causes calluses

Irritation on the second toe from friction with the big toe or toenail

Stiffness in the big toe, causing pain and difficulty walking

Difficulty fitting into footwear

Other toes can feel pain because of the misalignment as well. The condition can worsen over time without treatment, but our podiatrist, Dr. Suh in Flower Mound, TX, can help.

Bunion Treatment in Flower Mound, TX

Our podiatrist will carefully examine your foot, analyze your walking patterns, and ask about your medical history to determine the best bunion pain relief treatment for you.

Some treatment options include:

Wearing different shoes with wider toe boxes that provide extra toe space.

Bunion padding that buffers the bump, protecting it from footwear friction.

Custom orthotics shoe inserts that optimize your foot alignment and provide extra support and cushioning based on your individual needs.

Minimally invasive surgery is a last-resort option if other, non-surgical options do not provide the relief you need. If surgery is indicated in your situation, MLS laser therapy can help reduce post-op inflammation and accelerate healing significantly.

Bunion Treatment