A bunion typically appears as a bony bump on the inside edge of the foot, where the innermost long bone of the foot (called the first metatarsal) meets the base of the big toe.
Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions can also develop as a result of the shape of your foot, a foot deformity or a medical condition, such as arthritis.Smaller bunions (bunionettes) can develop on the joint of your little toe.
The signs and symptoms of a bunion include:
Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions can also develop as a result of the shape of your foot, a foot deformity or a medical condition, such as arthritis.
There are many theories about how bunions develop, but the exact cause is unknown. Factors likely include:
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your bunion and how much pain it causes.
Nonsurgical treatments that may relieve the pain and pressure of a bunion include:
If conservative treatment doesn’t relieve your symptoms, you might need surgery. Surgery is not recommended for cosmetic reasons; only when a bunion causes you frequent pain or interferes with your daily activities.
To help prevent bunions, choose shoes carefully. They should have a wide toe box — no pointy toes — and there should be space between the tip of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet without squeezing or pressing any part of your foot.
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For our patients’ convenience, we have our own digital x-ray, MRI, Cat-scan, and ultrasound equipment at many of our podiatry clinics. Our on-site podiatric physical therapy clinics allow for constant communication between the physicians and physical therapists, ensuring the most effective therapy and successful recovery for our patients.