After being diagnosed with a bunion, you undoubtedly have many questions. We're here to answer them. Below are common questions about bunions. Dr. Corey Griffith and Dr. Randall Thomas from Clintonville Foot & Ankle Group treat bunions frequently. They will guide you on the best treatment for your bunion in Columbus, and Dublin, OH.
What is the cause of a bunion?
Years of stress placed on the foot sometimes causes the big toe to be displaced inwards towards the smaller toes. This abnormal stress is usually a result of poor foot mechanics or misshapen feet. Ill-fitting shoes can cause the progression of a bunion but are not the cause of it developing initially. Sometimes, a bunion progresses in severity so significantly that the big toe is displaced so that it lays on top of the second toe, known as crossover toe.
What are the signs and symptoms of a bunion?
Bunions are usually easy to diagnose because of the bump that is visible on the inside of your foot. But, your podiatrist will likely order an x-ray, or other imaging technique to ensure there is no internal damage to surrounding structures. Symptoms other than a bump on the side of your foot can be:
- Callouses and corns
- Pain upon straightening the toe
- Discomfort when wearing shoes that you are used to
- Numbness in the big toe
How is a bunion treated?
Surgery, called bunionectomy, to eliminate the bunion is often the recommended treatment strategy. This surgery removes the bunion and corrects the anatomy of the foot. A bunionectomy will almost always be suggested in severe cases. But there are many things that you and your podiatrist can do to manage bunions before surgical intervention is suggested.
What can I do to manage my bunion non-surgically?
The interventions below may halt or slow down the progression. Our podiatrists can guide you in the management of your bunion in Columbus, Dublin, OH. Conservative measures may be to:
- Make sure your shoes fit properly and are spacious in the toe area.
- Shop for new shoes in the evening. Our feet are slightly swollen in the later hours of the day.
- Measure your feet each time you buy new shoes. Our feet flatten with age, which may require buying a larger-sized shoe.
- Maintain a healthy weight to prevent excess stress on the foot.
- Try custom orthotics
- Take pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs
Contact us
Treat your bunion in Columbus, and Dublin, OH with Dr. Griffith, or Dr. Thomas at Clintonville Foot & Ankle Group. Call us for consultation at our Clintonville office by calling (614) 267-8387, or our Dublin office at (614) 761-1466.