Bunions Specialist
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Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates
Orthopedic Surgeon & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Edmond, OK
Aesthetically speaking, bunions aren’t the most welcome developments in your feet, but they can also lead to moderate to severe pain, especially when they’re inflamed. For expert treatment of your bunions, visit Joel Davis, MD, and the team at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates in Edmond, Oklahoma, who offer both conservative and surgical treatment options. To learn more about how to deal with painful bunions, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Bunions Q & A
What are bunions?
Bunions, which are also known as hallux valgus, are the result of a misalignment and enlargement of the joint at the base of your toe, which is called the metatarsophalangeal joint. The misalignment occurs when your long metatarsal bone begins to shift toward the inside of your foot, which forces the phalanx bones (the small bones in your foot) to migrate outward.
Bunions are progressive and, in their later stages, your big toe can migrate over or under your second toe and even overlap your third toe. The results of this can lead to corns and hammertoes, as well as bursitis in the balls of your feet.
In addition to the migration of your big toe, your metatarsophalangeal joint becomes enlarged, creating the bony protrusion on the inside of your big toe. When this bump encounters pressure or friction, it can become inflamed, which can be very painful, making even the roomiest shoes near impossible to wear.
What causes bunions to develop?
The primary culprit behind bunions is shoes that crowd your toes and force them downward, such as pointy-toed heels that women favor, which is why females develop bunions at much higher rates.
In addition to footwear, bunions can also develop because of:
- An inherited structural defect
- Arthritis
- Gait issues
- Hammertoes
- Trauma to your toe
Whatever precipitated the structural deformity, it’s important that you seek medical guidance at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates to prevent the condition from worsening.
How are bunions diagnosed?
While bunions may seem fairly obvious on the outside, your provider at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates turns to X-ray technology to get a better idea of the degree to which your bones have shifted out of place. This imaging guides your treatment moving forward.
How are bunions treated?
In the earlier stages of bunions, the team at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates can often successfully treat them using:
- Orthotics
- Therapeutic footwear
- Padding
- Splinting
- A change in footwear to roomier toe boxes and lower heels
- Anti-inflammatory medications
If your bunions are severe or they resist these treatments, your provider will likely recommend a bunionectomy to realign the joint and eliminate the bony protrusion.
To learn more about your options in treating problematic bunions, call Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates or request an appointment using the online booking tool.
