What are bunions?
A bunion is a painful bump that forms on the outside of your big toe. It occurs when the bones at the front of your foot move out of position because of the way you walk or the shape of your foot. Bunions affect all types of people, but they’re especially common in middle-aged women, especially those who wear shoes that crowd their toes.
What are the symptoms of bunions?
Symptoms of bunions include:
- Corns or calluses
- Difficulty bending your toe
- A hammertoe (a toe that’s bent in a claw like position)
- Numbness in your toe
As the bunion gets bigger, you might also have difficulty wearing shoes without experiencing pain.
Who is at risk of experiencing bunions?
Anyone can experience a bunion, but there are several factors that may increase your risk. For example, bunions usually affect people who have structural foot abnormalities, like flat feet or high arches. Other factors that increase your risk of bunions include foot trauma and inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis.
How are bunions diagnosed?
To diagnose a bunion, Dr. Knutson has you take off your shoes and socks, and he examines your feet. Bunions are visible to the eye, but Dr. Knutson might also order X-rays to assess the alignment of the bones in your foot and to check for joint damage. After reviewing your X-rays, Dr. Knutson develops a custom treatment plan that aligns with your needs.
How are bunions treated?
Dr. Knutson uses evidence-based medicine to treat bunions. Whenever possible, he recommends conservative treatments like:
- Bunion pads and taping
- Wearing shoes with a wider toe box
- Custom orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Ice
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
If these measures don’t provide significant relief, you might benefit from bunion surgery. Dr. Knutson offers several types of bunion surgery, including classic procedures like lapidus and chevron bunionectomy, as well as minimally invasive approaches.
During bunion surgery, Dr. Knutson uses special tools to realign the bones in your foot. That relieves pain and inflammation while restoring your mobility.
To explore the various treatment options for bunions, make an appointment at Willamette Foot & Ankle by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
