A noticeable bulge on the side or base of the big toe can be characteristic of a bunion. It is considered one of the more common foot problems and may happen to people who wear tight shoes or high heels. It may also occur from genetic reasons, and severe bunions may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. Additionally, existing medical conditions may lead to getting a bunion, including arthritis, abnormal foot structure, or neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy. Common symptoms of a bunion can consist of achiness, redness, and the affected area may be swollen. Patients have found mild relief from bunions by wearing supportive shoes with adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or by taking anti-inflammatory medicine. Surgery may be required for permanent removal of severe bunions and reshaping of the toe. If you have a bunion, it is advised that you consult with a chiropodist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Are Bunions? 

A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.

Symptoms

A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.

The bunion may also: 

• Be swollen, red, or sore 

• Develop corns or calluses over it

• Cause pain

• Limit the big toe’s range of motion

Treatment

There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs