3 Crucial Questions to Ask About Bunion Pain

Dr. Brian Nagy | November 20th, 2017

Posted In: Bunions

Bunions are bumpy protrusions that develop near the base joint of the big toe. They can be extremely painful and make your shoes fit improperly. A bunion forms when the joint of the big toe is forced out of position. This commonly occurs when the big toe is pressed into the neighboring toe for long periods of time.

A bunionette is a smaller form of a bunion that occurs on the side of the foot next to the little toe. If left untreated, bunions can eventually affect your gait, putting pressure on other areas of your feet and causing stress for the arches of your feet and your ankles.

As soon as you begin to experience bunion pain in the form of numbness or other signs of discomfort, you should call a New Hampshire podiatrist at Nagy Footcare for an evaluation.

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions can be caused by shoes that don’t fit properly, arthritis, or other medical conditions. Continuous stress on the foot, especially the toes, can also cause a bunion or bunionette, to form.

In some cases, a structural defect that causes the big toe to turn or press into the toe next to it can also cause a bunion to form over time. While poorly fitting shoes are thought to cause the highest risk, shoes that fit correctly but have a very pointed toe are also culprits.

Bunions can start to develop during adulthood, but commonly start to form during childhood. As a parent, you should constantly monitor the fit of your child’s shoes to ensure they fit properly. Replacing shoes that are too small is the first step in protecting your child’s feet, ankles and legs.

When poorly fitting shoes are worn for long periods of time, bunion pain is not the only problem your child may face. It’s essential that your child’s shoes be checked frequently for both size and wear patterns.

What Is the Best Way to Treat Bunions?

Once a bunion has formed, the only way to remove it is with surgery. You can, however, prevent it from worsening with conservative techniques.

With children, monitoring the fit of their shoes is the best way to keep bunions from forming. If you have trouble finding shoes that fit your child, contact a New Hampshire podiatrist. A structural deformity may be present or the way your child walks may have an impact on how your feet are developing.

With a thorough evaluation, a trusted podiatrist can identify potential problems and take the necessary steps that will allow your child’s feet to develop properly.

Changing the type of shoes you wear and limiting certain types of activity are two of the best ways to treat bunions.

Placing pads/padding over the bunion or using orthotics can help to reduce the bunion pain caused by the pressure of walking, running or standing. NSAIDS and pain relievers can also be used to ease the discomfort of bunions, especially if your job forces you to be on your feet for long periods of time.

Shoes that fit properly prevent pressure from being placed on the toes. The toes are allowed to move naturally and bend without placing pressure on the joints. Checking your shoes often for signs of wear and making sure your children’s shoes fit properly at all times are essential if you want to have healthy feet.

Consider the types of activity you perform on a regular basis. If you are constantly putting pressure on your toes, you may want to find another way to perform the activity (especially if it’s job-related), that takes the pressure off of your feet. If a bunion starts to form, talk to a podiatrist about having a custom orthotic made that will help support your feet and take the pressure off of your toes.

Is Bunion Surgery Necessary?

At Nagy Footcare, we’ll try conservative options first to manage your bunion pain without surgery.  However, if your foot x-ray shows that your bunion is severe then yes, you might need surgery.

The good news is that bunions can be treated with minimally invasive surgery. This kind of operation involves just a small incision near the joint of your big toe and can be done on an outpatient basis. There is only minor bleeding, scarring, pain or swelling with minimally invasive surgery.

Patients also have fewer post-op infections and other problems. After the surgery, you will be able to stand but will be advised to keep your walking to a minimum for about three days.

At Nagy Footcare, Dr. Nagy specializes in the treatment of bunions and other foot conditions. He can evaluate the health of your feet and help you find the right solution to your individual problems. At his office, he has many diagnostic tools that can be used to effectively diagnose and treat any type of foot condition.

If you’re experiencing the bunion pain and discomfort, contact a New Hampshire podiatrist at Nagy Footcare today to schedule a consultation. We can get to the bottom of all of your foot problems and find a solution that relieves your pain and allows you to resume your regular activities.

At Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot pain.