FAQs About Bunions

FAQs About Bunions

This article is dedicated to common questions that we receive about bunions at ARP Foot & Ankle Clinic. Dr. Eric Arp treats bunions frequently in both Mountain Home and Harrison clinic locations. After being diagnosed with a bunion, you likely have many questions. We have answers to your questions. Dr. Arp can help guide you on the best treatment strategy for your bunion.

What is a bunion?

A bunion consists of the appearance of a bump on the inside of your foot at the junction where the big toe meets the rest of the foot. It develops because the joint of the big toe becomes dislocated. This dislocation causes the big toe to point inward toward the other toes. Sometimes, it has progressed in severity so much that the big toe is displaced enough that it lays on top of the second toe, known as crossover toe.

What causes bunions?

Years of stress being placed on the foot can cause the big toe to displace inwards. The cause of this dislocation of the big toe joint is this excess stress on the foot, which is generally a result of deformed, mishappen feet and poor foot mechanics. It may surprise you to learn that ill-fitting shoes are never the cause of it developing initially, however wearing shoes with an improper fit can lead to the worsening of a bunion.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

Bunions are generally easy to diagnose because of the visible physical abnormality of the foot, referring to the bump that is on the inside of your foot. However, other symptoms can appear alongside a bunion, such as:

  • Corns and callouses
  • Pain when straightening the toe
  • Inability to wear regular shoes
  • Numbness in the big toe

How is a bunion treated?

A bunionectomy, surgery that removes the bunion and corrects the anatomy of the foot, is the most common treatment strategy. This will usually always be suggested in more severe cases of bunions in Harrison, AR. But there are steps that you and your podiatrist can take to manage bunions non-surgically.

What can I do to manage my bunion without surgery?

The actions below may prevent your bunion from getting worse.  Some recommendations from Dr. Arp are:

  • Make sure your shoes fit well and are sizeable in the toe area. 
  • When shopping for new shoes, do it in the evening. Our feet slightly swell in the later hours. 
  • Get your feet measured each time you buy new shoes. Feet flatten with age and this may require that you buy a larger-sized shoe.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Custom orthotics 
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs and Pain medication, both prescription and over the counter

Contact us

Do you have more questions about bunions? We will answer any questions you may have about treating bunions in Harrison, AR with Dr. Arp at ARP Foot & Ankle Clinic. Call us for a consultation with our Harrison office by calling (870) 365-3668, or our Mountain Home location at (870) 425-7363.

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