Bunions Specialists

What is a bunion?

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a type of foot deformity that affects the joint in the big toe. You may describe your bunion as a bony bump.

This bump occurs because of changes in the bony framework in the front part of your foot. The bone in the big toe moves toward the second toe instead of staying straight, while the long bone in the foot moves toward the inside of your foot. 

Bunions start out as a slight change in the alignment of the big toe. Slowly, over time, the bones shift, producing the bump, which becomes prominent and painful. 

What causes a bunion?

Pressure on your feet when you walk and the structure of your foot contribute to the development of a bunion.

You may be at risk of developing a bunion if you inherit a faulty foot type that affects the mechanical structure of the foot. This foot type doesn’t cause bunions, but puts you at greater risk of developing the foot problem. 

Additionally, your shoe choice — shoes that crowd the toes — can worsen the deformity. However, the type of shoes you wear isn’t the underlying cause of the bunion.

What happens during a bunion evaluation?

When you visit Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists for a bunion evaluation, you can expect a thorough exam. Your podiatrist reviews your symptoms and examines your feet. They also take X-rays to assess the severity of your deformity and monitor its progression.

How is a bunion treated?

Treatment for your bunion depends on the severity of your deformity. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment plan in place may delay the worsening of your bunion and pain. 

Initially, the team at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists may recommend conservative care, such as:

• Change in shoewear
• Padding
• Custom orthotics
• Splinting, strapping, or bracing
• Activity modification
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Icing
• Injection therapy

If your foot deformity is severe and conservative care fails to ease your symptoms, the board-certified foot and ankle surgeons at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists may talk to you about surgery for your bunion. 

The team offers many bunion reconstruction options, including minimally invasive techniques and traditional open surgery. For large deformities, the team performs a Lapidus procedure or bunionectomy (removing the bony bump). 

To discuss treatment options for your bunions, call Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists, or schedule a consultation using the online booking button today.