Bunion Symptoms and Treatment
Individualized Treatment Plans | Board Certified | Over 35 Years of Experience
Individualized Treatment Plans
Board Certified
Over 35 Years of Experience
Reasons for Bunions
A bunion is an enlargement of the bone at the base of the big toe. It usually causes a painful joint. If left untreated it can cause extreme pain because the joint carries so much of the body's weight when walking.
When the normal balance of forces exerted on the joints and tendons of the foot becomes disrupted, it can lead to instability and cause the bunion. It takes years of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP joint to occur. Ultimately it is caused by the way we walk, inherited foot type and shoes. It tends to run in families.
Call
the experienced doctor at Carol A. Akerman, DPM for an appointment.
Watch Out for These Symptoms
- A firm bump at the base of your big toe
- Selling, redness, or pain at or neat the MTP join
- Corns or any other irritations caused by the overlap of your first and second toes
- Restricted or painful motion of the big toe
Temporary Relief
- Apply non-medicated bunion pads
- Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling when inflamed and painful
- Stay away from high-heeled shoes that are more than 2 inches high
- Take an anti-Inflammatory tablet
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Padding and taping
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics
Surgical Options
If early treatments fail or the bunion gets too big, you may need surgery. We have several surgical procedures such as a simple bunionectomy. A more severe bunion may need a more involved procedure, which includes cutting the bone and realigning the joint. Dr. Akerman has the ability to perform the lapiplasty treatment to correct severe bunions.
Learn More About
Carol A. Akerman, DPM
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