Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Bunions
1746875478
Bunions, or hallux valgus, occur when the big toe shifts toward the other toes, forming a bony bump on the side of the foot. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Tight footwear, inherited foot structure, injuries, and arthritis are common causes.
Symptoms include pain while walking, redness, swelling, and stiffness in the big toe joint. If untreated, bunions can worsen, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
Treatment focuses on relieving pain and preventing progression. Non-surgical options include:
Wider, supportive shoes to reduce pressure. Padding or gel cushions for joint protection. Custom orthotics to improve foot alignment. Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. If pain persists, surgery may be considered to realign the toe joint. Early treatment and proper foot care can help slow progression and maintain mobility.
For additional relief, regenerative medicine options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic treatments using fat or bone marrow-derived cells, may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain, early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and improve comfort. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How can bunions be treated without surgery?
Non-surgical treatments focus on pain relief and preventing the progression of the bunion. These include wearing wider, supportive shoes, using padding or gel cushions for the joint, employing custom orthotics for better foot alignment, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain and swelling.
How can early treatment of bunions benefit patients?
Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and maintain mobility. By addressing the bunion early, patients can avoid chronic pain and complications, ensuring better long-term foot health.
What are bunions and how do they form?
Bunions, medically referred to as hallux valgus, occur when the big toe leans toward the other toes, resulting in a bony bump on the side of the foot. This condition commonly arises due to tight footwear, structural imbalances in the foot, injuries, or conditions such as arthritis.
What symptoms are associated with bunions?
Common symptoms include pain while walking, redness, swelling, and stiffness at the base of the big toe. As bunions progress, they can cause chronic pain and difficulties in finding comfortable footwear.
When is surgery considered for bunions, and what does it involve?
Surgery is considered if non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief and the pain persists. Common surgical options, including realignment procedures or removal of the bony bump, aim to restore normal function of the toe joint.