Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

Bunions happen when the big toe is pushed inward toward the second toe. This gradually creates a large bump that can interfere with walking, how your shoes fit, and cause discomfort.

Bunions can also form at the base of the little toe. These bunionettes are less common than bunions near the big toe, but they can also cause pain and dysfunction.

What causes a bunion?

You can inherit foot problems that put you at risk of developing bunions. Shoes don’t cause bunions, but wearing styles like high heels or pointy toes can cause them to grow faster and make them extra painful.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

You’ll notice a large bump just behind your big toe and next to the ball of your foot. You’ll feel pain, especially if you wear tight shoes that push on the bunion. The bunion can also look red and feel irritated.

Will I need surgery for my bunions?

Your doctor will usually begin treating bunions by suggesting that you wear shoes with a wider toe box and extra padding. You might also be asked to stay off your feet more often, ice the bunion, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to ease the pain.

Your Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists provider can also fit you with customized orthotics. These shoe inserts offer additional support to ease bunion pain.

But what if your bunion fails to get better after these treatments and continues to prevent you from doing things you enjoy? In that case, you’ll probably need surgery to correct it.

The exact surgery you’ll need will depend on the bunion itself. Generally surgery:

• Removes swollen tissue from around the big toe joint
• Realigns one or more bones in the front of your foot to correct the big toe’s angle
• Fuses the bones of your affected joint
• Straightens your big toe

Your surgery will be done in the surgery center at the Bradenton office of Cruz Foot & Ankle Specialists. You’ll be able to go home the day of your surgery and might even be able to put weight on your foot shortly after surgery.

If you have a bulge at your big toe joint that you suspect is a bunion, seek care at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists. Call the nearest office or use this website to request an appointment.