Bunions may feel like a sore bump on the side of your foot makes standing and walking a chore. At Advanced Podiatry of Needham, your foot doctors, Dr. Michael Mitry and Dr. Christopher Karter, will take care of that bunion, improving your foot function, appearance, and comfort.
Just what is a bunion?
Hallux valgus is an acquired foot deformity involving the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe. While women and people who carry too much body weight typically develop bunions, most anyone can--even adolescents, reports the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Much depends on heredity and on the type of shoes people wear. Narrow, high-heeled shoes exert a lot of pressure on that joint, forcing the big toe toward the second and even the third toe.
Symptoms associated with bunions
Symptoms vary, but here are some common ones:
- Intermittent pain or tenderness
- Burning and numbness
- Friction and redness
- Swollen appearance
- Difficulties with walking and running
- Corns and calluses at the point of friction with the shoe
- Poor range of motion in the toe
Also, your foot doctors see accompanying hammertoes, bursitis, and metatarsalgia as they see numerous patients with bunions in their Needham, MA, office.
Managing bunions
After a visual inspection and X-ray imaging of your foot, your podiatrist can diagnose your bunion definitely. Then, Dr. Mitry or Dr. Karter can customize a treatment plan for your particular needs. Care may include:
- Rest
- Ice
- Over the counter medications for pain (ibuprofen, for example)
- Strapping and padding to re-align and cushion the toe and side of the foot
- Customized orthotics to correct gait problems
- In-office corn and callus removal
- Wearing shoes which are roomy in the toe box
- Bunionectomy
Bunionectomy is surgical removal of the bony bump on the side of foot. The big toe itself is then re-aligned to the proper position.
It will only get worse
The vast majority of bunions worsen over time. So, if you suspect you are developing one of these foot deformities, don't wait. See Dr. Mitry or Dr. Karter at Advanced Podiatry of Needham today. You'll like their compassionate and effective care, and how much better your foot feels after treatment. Call us for an appointment: we have office hours Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Phone (781) 444-4044.