Bunions (Hallux valgus)

What is a Bunion?

A bunion looks like a “bump” on the joint of the big toe; however, these bumps are not calluses. Instead they result from the bones in your foot becoming misaligned. More often than not, the big toe is leaning inward towards the middle toe giving the appearance of a bump on the joint. bunions are a progressive disease that warrants treatment by a Boston podiatry specialist or foot doctor early on.

What are the Symptoms of Bunions?

While some people may never have symptoms, most people experience pain at the base of the big toe near the joint, redness at the big toe joint, pain such as a burning sensation associated with activity, pain when wearing shoes, and numbness in the big toe.

What Causes Bunions?

Most people can blame their bunions on heredity. In other words, you may have inherited a faulty foot bone structure that makes you more prone to bunions. Flat feet are also a culprit and younger patients may be diagnosed with bunions because of hyper-flexibility. While wearing shoes that are too tight, high heels that crowd the toes, and spending a lot of time on your feet won’t cause bunions, these situations can exacerbate the problem causing symptoms to appear faster and be more severe. For these reasons, women are treated for bunions more often than men are.

Treatment for Bunions

As with most foot disorders, foot care doctors in Boston use a variety of non-invasive methods first before moving on to more invasive treatment methods, including wearing different footgear, using padding, and prescribing anti-inflammatory medications. If these treatment methods don’t work your Boston podiatrist may use injection therapy, and as a last resort, surgery.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is intended only as a resource and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions or foot care issues, consult with a qualified Boston podiatrist or foot care doctor in Boston.

About the Author: Dr. Jordana Szpiro is a Boston podiatrist providing comprehensive foot care and surgery to all ages. Dr Szpiro specializes in pediatric podiatry and custom molded orthotics. For more information or to contact Dr. Szpiro, visit Boston Common Podiatry.