Bunion

Busting Bunions: Causes, Symptoms, and the Best Treatment Options In Illinois

A bunion (also known as hallux valgus) forms on the joint at the base of your big toe when the skeletal structure of your foot causes your big toe to lean toward the second toe rather than pointing straight ahead. While this is typically an issue that begins with an internal faulty structure in the foot, it can often be made progressively worse by lifestyle and footwear choices.

Genetics also play a key role in the development of bunions. Foot structure is partially hereditary, so if you have conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or Morton’s neuroma, it’s likely that others in your immediate family may be prone to them as well. Understanding your family history and being aware of to early signs can help you take preventive steps and seek treatment before the condition progresses.

Repeated wear of improper or ill-fitting footwear, such as narrow, pointed-toe shoes or high heels, can speed the progression of bunion development. Bunions also often develop in individuals whose occupation requires a lot of standing, walking, and repetitive stress. Those who carry excess weight can also be more likely to develop bunions, and women are up to ten times more likely than men to get them.

Typically, a bunion is easily visible as a pronounced bump on the side of the big toe. Patients may experience any combination of the following: pain, soreness, inflammation, redness, a burning sensation, or numbness on or around the bunion. Any shoe that crowds the toes or pushes your weight onto the ball of your foot will often aggravate those symptoms considerably.

As with most orthopedic conditions, when a bunion begins to interfere with daily activities, it is always a good idea to see your physician. Not all bunions require surgery, so don’t assume that a procedure is your only option. Your podiatrist may recommend using conservative methods to alleviate symptoms. Those methods may include changes in footwear, anti-inflammatory medication, icing, injection therapy, padding, and/or the use of orthotic devices.

If the time comes when these conservative methods are no longer effective in achieving long-term symptom relief, newer procedures are available that allow for a minimally invasive approach. These may not be suitable for all conditions, so we recommend discussing with your surgeon to find the best option for you. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we take your lifestyle and goals into consideration to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You can count on having a dedicated team that is invested in your health and comfort.

For more information about our doctors who specialize in caring for foot and ankle issues, call (855) 386-7846 or visit our website at fvortho.com.