Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

A bunion is a tough, bony bump that develops on the outer edge of your big toe. Bunions occur when the front part of your foot moves out of place, causing the tip of your toe to pull down and forward. This puts pressure on your smaller toes, forcing the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. 

Bunions usually develop as a result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Other common causes of bunions include having a uniquely shaped foot or medical conditions such as arthritis.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

The most obvious symptom associated with bunions is a bulging, bony bump on the outside edge of your big toe. However, other telltale signs include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Soreness
• Corns and calluses
• Ongoing pain that comes and goes

As a bunion grows and gets worse, you might also experience problems bending or straightening your affected toe. 

When should I see a podiatrist about a bunion?

If you have a bunion that’s small and it isn’t interfering with your movement or day-to-day activities, conservative measures of care such as ice or taking an over-the-counter pain medicine should provide relief. However, you should make an appointment with Dr. Cruz at Gentle Foot Care Clinic if you have:

• Decreased movement of your big toe
• Difficulty finding shoes that fit 
• Ongoing foot pain
• Ongoing big toe pain

You should also make an appointment with Dr. Cruz if your bunion becomes swollen, red, or larger in appearance. 

How are bunions diagnosed?

To diagnose a bunion, Dr. Cruz physically examines your feet and toes. He also gently places pressure on different areas of your foot to rule out other potential causes of pain. Following an exam, Dr. Cruz might also order a series of X-rays to determine what type of treatment you’ll most benefit from. 

How are bunions treated?

Whenever possible, Dr. Cruz uses conservative, alternative methods of care to treat bunions and relieve pain. Depending on your health history and the condition of your bunions, Dr. Cruz might recommend wearing more comfortable shoes with a large toe box, wearing over-the-counter, non-medicated bunion pads, applying ice, or wearing padded shoe inserts. If these methods of care don’t provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Cruz specializes in minimally invasive bunion removal surgery and can have you feeling back to normal in no time. 

Don’t let bunions interfere with your mobility or quality of life. To make your appointment at Gentle Foot Care Clinic, call the office or click the online booking tool today.