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Bunions

Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers

Podiatrist located in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ

Bunions are more than just a bump on your foot, they’re an actual foot deformity that can cause serious pain and mobility issues if you don’t get treatment. At the four Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers locations, in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, a team of experienced podiatrists is ready to set your feet free from bunion pain and other complications. Use online scheduling or call the office nearest you now.

Bunions Q & A

What are bunions?

A bunion is a bone deformity affecting the joint at the bottom of your big toe, otherwise known as the metatarsophalangeal joint. When you have a bunion, this joint grows significantly, causing a big bump on the side of your foot. If you have a bunion, it's common for your big toe to push on your other toes or even overlap your other toes.

Although bunions are always on side of your big toe, you can develop a bunionette (also known as a tailor’s bunion) on the side of your little toe, too.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

If you have a bunion, you'll typically have persistent soreness or pain at the metatarsophalangeal joint. You may have the following problems with your bunion.

  • Inflammation and redness
  • Warm skin
  • Burning
  • Numbness
  • Pain when moving your big toe

You may also develop other foot problems when you have a bunion, such as hammertoe, corns, or calluses.

Although symptoms are usually worst when you're wearing shoes that confine your toes tightly, you may experience symptom flare-ups when you stand for long periods, too.

Why do bunions happen?

Bunions develop because of uneven balance and pressure in your foot joints and tendons, which leads to joint instability, triggering the growth.

There are many different possible reasons for uneven balance and pressure in your foot, but experts disagree about the root cause of the condition. Possible causes include footwear choices, traumatic foot injury, neuromuscular disease, arthritis, and excessive foot stress.

Genetics may play a role in bunions, but only as far as inherited foot type since certain foot types may be more vulnerable to bunions. Some kinds of footwear also may increase your risk for bunions. Tight, narrow, or ill-fitting shoes that force your toes together, like high heels, are thought to be a risk factor for developing bunions.

How are bunions treated?

Bunion treatment at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers depends on your specific needs, so your podiatrist will customize a plan for you. Treatment options typically include:

  • Padding
  • Taping
  • Cortisone injections
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Custom orthotics

Often, with early intervention treatments, you can avoid surgery. But, if your bunion persists even after other treatments, your podiatrist can perform an outpatient surgical procedure, like a bunionectomy, to remove the bony growth. For the most severe bunions, you may need a more complex surgery in which your podiatrist repositions your joint completely.

With your Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers podiatrist's help, you can finally enjoy relief from bunion pain. Click online scheduling or call the office nearest you to book your appointment today.

We treat bunions, ingrown toenails, foot care, athletes' foot, and hammertoe. We are located in Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, and Mesa, Arizona.

Call us to book your appointment today.

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