Our Las Vegas Podiatrist Can Give You the Upper Hand Over Painful Bunions
Do you have an unsightly bony bump poking out near the base of your big toe? Don't simply grin and bear it—that's likely a bunion, and it's more than just a cosmetic concern.
Bunions often start out as a minor nuisance. Left untreated, however, they can seriously cramp your style and quality of life. At Centennial Foot & Ankle, we have the upper hand against these troublemakers. Experienced podiatrist Dr. David Biesinger can help you put a stop to bunion pain, so you can kick up your heels and strut the Strip in comfort.
Common Symptoms of Bunions
A bunion, known as hallux valgus in medical terms, is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. It forms when the big toe starts drifting inward toward the other toes, forcing the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint to protrude outward.
The telltale sign of a bunion is a bony battle bulge that forms at the base of your big toe joint. This unsightly protrusion arises as your big toe defects, leaning into its rebellious neighbors and forcing the joint to stick out like an ambushed scout.
Other signs that suggest a trip to the podiatrist is in order include:
- Pain and soreness
- Redness and swelling
- Calluses or corns
- Restricted movement
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty wearing shoes
Common Causes of Bunions
There’s no need to be embarrassed by your bunion, since this is one of the most common foot deformities we see at Centennial Foot & Ankle. In fact, bunions are a common foot deformity that affects an estimated 1 in 3 people over the age of 65.
Some of the most common causes of bunions include:
- Genetics. If you have a family history of bunions, you may be more prone to developing them yourself.
- Foot shape and structure. Having flat feet, low arches, or joint instability can contribute to the misalignment of the big toe joint.
- Improper footwear. While stylish shoes are a must in Las Vegas, they can often exacerbate bunion formation or worsen existing bunions. Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can put excessive pressure on the toes and contribute to the misalignment of the big toe joint over time.
- Age and gender. Bunions are more common in women than men, and they often develop or worsen with age. The hormonal changes associated with menopause may also contribute to bunion development in women.
Conservative Treatment Options
While surgical intervention may be necessary for severe cases, many bunions can be managed effectively with conservative care. The following are some non-surgical options commonly recommended by our experienced Las Vegas podiatrist:
- Footwear changes. Switching to shoes with a wider toe box and lower heels can help alleviate pressure on the bunion.
- Custom orthotics. Custom orthotics can provide support and stability to the foot, helping to correct any underlying biomechanical issues contributing to bunion formation.
- Pads and splints. Cushioning pads and splints can be applied to the bunion to provide relief from friction and pressure.
- Exercise and stretches. Specific exercises and stretches may help strengthen the muscles and improve joint mobility in the foot and ankle. This can reduce pain and prevent the bunion from progressing over time.
- Medication. To ease pain and inflammation, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be used. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain.
When to Consider Bunion Surgery
While conservative treatments can provide relief for many people with bunions, surgery may be necessary in some instances. Here are some factors to consider when determining if surgery is the right option for addressing your bunion pain.
- Persistent pain. If conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the bunion, surgery may be recommended to address the underlying structural issues causing the deformity.
- Restricted movement. Bunions that restrict movement of the big toe or lead to difficulties walking or wearing shoes may require surgical correction to restore normal function and mobility.
- Toe deformity. Severe bunions can cause the big toe to drift excessively toward the smaller toes, resulting in a deformity known as a crossover toe. Surgery may be necessary to realign the toes and correct the deformity.
- Failed conservative treatment. If conservative treatments have been ineffective in managing your symptoms, surgery may be considered as a last resort.
Dr. Biesinger can assess the severity of your bunion and help determine if surgery is necessary.