Bunions are bony protrusions along the side of the foot near the big toe. Since bunions stick out, they tend to rub against the interior of the shoes which can lead to inflammation, pain, and discomfort. Bunions are a bone deformity and will not go away on their own so it is important to seek treatment. Dr. Michael Mitry and Dr. Christopher Karter, the experienced and caring podiatrists at Advanced Podiatry of Needham in Needham, MA, treat bunions through surgical and non-surgical methods.
How Bunions Develop
Bunions can develop when the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe moves out of place and becomes dislocated. This causes the joint to become enlarged. Additionally, dislocation causes the big toe to angle toward the other toes. All of these factors result in a bony protrusion along the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. This enlarged protrusion is what is known as a bunion.
Bunions tend to rub against the inside of the shoes throughout the day. The friction produced by the constant rubbing leads to inflammation and irritation, as well as pain and discomfort. Bunions can also contribute to the development of other foot problems, such as hammertoe or Hallux Valgus.
The primary cause of bunions is wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow. When the toes are cramped together, the metatarsophalangeal joint can more easily become dislocated. Other factors that can lead to the development of bunions include having a faulty foot structure or sustaining a foot injury. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the feet or ankles, can also contribute to the formation of bunions.
Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments
Treatment is necessary when bunions develop since they do not go away on their own. Several non-surgical methods exist for treating bunions, including:
- Wearing custom orthotics to stabilize the toe joint
- Increasing joint mobility through special exercises
- Reducing friction by inserting protective padding in the shoes
- Wearing a night splint while sleeping to realign the toe joint
- Removing corns or calluses on the feet
Bunion Surgery
Non-surgical methods are not always sufficient to completely resolve bunion problems and provide relief from the pain and discomfort they cause. The skilled podiatrists at our Needham, MA, podiatry office can determine if surgery is needed to treat your bunions.
More than one type of bunion surgery is available. The surgical approach most often used is called bunionectomy. It involves removing the bunion and realigning the metatarsophalangeal toe joint. Another type of bunion surgery involves fusing the joints of the big toe together so they cannot move out of place again. Our podiatry team can discuss the different surgical options with you in more detail.
Bunion surgery can provide lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of bunions. To learn more about treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitry or Dr. Karter, our skilled podiatrist, by calling Advanced Podiatry of Needham in Needham, MA, at (781) 444-4044.