Bunions: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Whether you've just developed bunions or had them for years, you're probably eager to find effective ways to relieve your pain. Dr. Angelo Pace, your Alexandria, VA, foot doctor at Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center, offers treatments that will make walking a much more comfortable experience.

What are bunions?

Bunions are bony bumps that develop on the joint at the base of your big toe. As the condition worsens, the bump can grow very large, and your big toe may eventually begin to lean toward your other toes.

Why do I have a bunion?

Bunions are particularly common in women, particularly those who regularly wear tight shoes or high-heeled shoes. Whether you're male or female, you're more likely to develop bunions if you inherited a foot imbalance, injured your foot or have arthritis or a leg length discrepancy.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunion pain tends to worsen if you attempt to jam your feet into your shoes but can also occur even if when you aren't wearing shoes. In addition to pain, you may experience numbness or a burning sensation in and around your bunion and notice that the skin over the joint has become red and thick.

If your big toe rubs against your other toes, you may develop corns and calluses on the tops of your toes or the bottom of your foot. Your toe may eventually become stiff and inflexible as the bunion worsens.

What can I do about my bunion?

Choosing shoes that offer plenty of space for your bunions offers a simple way to reduce your pain. Ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce pain and swelling. It's also important to change your habits if you suffer from bunion pain. Standing for long periods or running can worsen pain. Activities that don't stress your foot are a better choice.

If you're tired of dealing with bunion pain or your bunion interferes with your life, your Alexandria, VA, foot doctor can offer a variety of treatment options, including taping or splinting your foot to improve the alignment of your big toe joint while you sleep, offering cortisone injections and pain medication, or designing custom-made shoe inserts. When these methods aren't helpful, surgery may be recommended.

Are you ready to find a solution for your bunion pain? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Angelo Pace, your Alexandria, VA, foot doctor by calling (703) 971-7100 for the Walker Lane office or (703) 360-9292 for the Sherwood Hall Lane office.