One of the many problems that a person can have is developing a bunion. What is a bunion? A bunion is a painful bone deformity, or bump, at the base of the big toe.

Symptoms of a bunion can include:

• A large or growing bump on the inside of your big toe’s joint.
• Pain and swelling
• A callus or corn on the bump
• A hardening of the skin on the big toe
• Difficulty walking on the inflamed foot

There are several causes of a bunion which can include:

• Poor fitting shoes – shoes that are too narrow. Proper footwear is crucial to healthy feet.
• Heredity – genetic traits passed down from previous relatives.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – an inflammatory condition in your joints which helps distort the toe.
• Polio – Rare but possible condition that weakens muscles.

Bunions can be treated surgically and non-surgically.

Non-surgical treatments include:

• Good fitting footwear – choosing footwear that allow greater space near the toes will allow them to stretch and move in a more natural position.
• Orthotics – using a type of specific padding. While you can purchase an orthotic at your local drug store, seeing your podiatrist to determine which type of orthotic is your best choice.
• Ice – applying ice to the swollen area will usually reduce pain and swelling.
• Medications – using non-steroid, anti-inflammatory medicine can reduce the pain and swelling.

If the above treatments do not help or help enough, surgery may be needed. Surgery is not recommended for children, however, as their feet are still growing. Less invasive treatments will probably be best. During surgery your podiatrist will realign the bones and ligaments to return the foot to a more natural and comfortable position. This should relieve the pain and swelling and reduce the bump. While usually very effective, taking the proper time to recover is very important.  Surgery is usually completed in one day.

If you believe you have or are developing a bunion or have any other foot concerns, please make an appointment with us. Dr. Brandon A. Macy, who is associated with New Jersey Children’s Foot Health Institute, will assess your feet and find the appropriate treatments to get you back to being active. Call Clark Podiatry at (732) 382-3470.