Find out if any structural changes in your feet could be due to a bunion.
A bunion is a rather common deformity that can affect any toe but often inflicts the big toe, causing a bony protrusion to stick out at the base of the toe’s joint. While women are more likely to develop bunions than men, anyone can suffer from bunions. From the office of our Needham, MA, podiatrist, Dr. Michael Mitry, find out the telltale signs and symptoms of a bunion and when to come in for care.
How will I know if I have a bunion?
All you have to do is check out your feet. If your feet are normal, then the big toe will be completely straight. If you notice a bump on the outside of the foot that’s at the base of the big toe, then chances are good that a bunion is forming. If you are just noticing it, then it’s most likely small at this point, which is a great sign! This means that you can take simple everyday precautions to prevent it from getting worse.
If you also notice that your big toe is leaning inward toward the other toes then you most certainly have a bunion. If your bunion has already affected the structure of your foot, this can cause foot pain, particularly when walking or standing.
Who is more likely to develop bunions?
As we mentioned earlier, anyone can develop a bunion. Of course, there are some factors that increase your chances including:
- A family history of bunions
- Being a woman
- Wearing high heels or tight shoes
- Having arthritis in your feet
- Experiencing a past foot injury
When should I visit my Needham, MA, foot doctor?
If you check your feet and notice a hard protrusion forming at the base of the big toe, it’s a good idea to give us a call so we can properly evaluate it. By examining the foot, we can quickly determine whether or not you have a bunion. Based on the symptoms you are experiencing, we can also determine which treatment options will be best for you.
We can offer up simple lifestyle changes you can make such as wearing properly fitted shoes or custom orthotics, icing the joint or splinting the foot at night to prevent morning pain and stiffness.
Turn to Advanced Podiatry of Needham in Needham, MA, for all of your foot needs, whether you are looking for ways to treat your bunion or if you are dealing with other foot problems. We are here to get you back on your feet!