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Bunions

Treating Bunions in Lees Summit, North Kansas City, Downtown Kansas City & Kansas City KS.

Bunions in Lees Summit, North Kansas City, Downtown Kansas City

What a Bunion Looks Like 

A bunion is a hard, bony bump that develops on the side of your big toe. Small bunions may or may not be painful, but bunions can also grow large and painful, with significant involvement of the bone.

What causes painful bunions to develop?

Contrary to popular belief, bunions are not caused by tight shoes. Tight shoes can cause bunions to be painful, but the cause is actually a lifelong instability in the way the foot functions. A muscle imbalance occurs eventually pulling the great toe toward the second toe and the metatarsal bone behind it moves the other way. The boney prominence that you see is the normal contour of the metatarsal bone. Again, it’s the normal bone, but in an abnormal position.

Bunions are caused by a bone deformity in your foot. They develop mostly in women, from wearing shoes that are too narrow. Shoes that crush the toes together force the big toe joint outward. It begins to rub on the inside of your shoe, causing friction, inflammation, and bunion formation. You are also at greater risk of bunion formation if you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

What You Can Do About Bunions

If you have a small bunion, there are a few options you can try to get relief. Consider:

  • Placing ice on the bunion to reduce swelling
  • Taping the bunion to add support
  • Placing padding inside your shoes to add cushion and protection
  • Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and pain medication
  • Changing to wider shoes with more room for your toes

Professional Treatments for Bunions

If you have a larger, painful bunion, it’s best to visit your podiatrist/chiropodist, who may recommend:

  • Custom-fit orthotics or footwear to help realign your toe and foot
  • Physical therapy exercises and stretching to maintain flexibility
  • Wearing pads or cushions inside your shoes
  • Removing corns or calluses to eliminate friction

When Is Bunion Surgery Necessary?

Bunion surgery may be necessary if there is significant bone involvement, or in cases of moderate to severe bunion pain which is impacting your ability to wear shoes, walk, and stay active. During bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, the bunion is removed and your toe and foot are surgically realigned.



Read a Transcription of the Bunion Video here

I just had bunion surgery and it was a success! I am out of my boot and back in my shoe in just 30 days. Dr. Green is a fantastic surgeon and his staff is top-notch as well. I would definitely recommend them to everyone.

-Meega S.

Bunions can be hereditary. Stop and think about if someone in your family also has this condition. If your parents or grandparents have bunions, there’s a good chance that you’ll develop them as well. The good news is you can take steps to prevent the occurrence of bunions or at least slow down the progression by addressing your inherited instability, usually with custom orthotics. Custom-molded orthotics keep your foot in the correct position- delaying or even preventing the development of bunions. Our podiatrists takes impressions of your feet in their most stable position. The molds are sent to the lab where your custom-molded orthotics are produced.

Custom-molded orthotics are one way to help prevent bunions from developing. If, bunions do develop, there are treatment options to keep you comfortable. Click on the link below to find out the latest treatment options available.

Kansas City Foot and Ankle proudly serves the Kansas City KS. and Kansas City MO. areas! 


Treatment options for bunions


Learn more about what treatment options are available for your bunions in Lees Summit, North Kansas City, Downtown Kansas City & Kansas City KS. Call your podiatrist at Kansas City Foot and Ankle today at (816) 943-1111 for more information and to schedule your appointment today!

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