Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

A bunion is a hard, bulbous growth that forms on the outer edge of your foot at the base of your big toe. They occur when the bones in the front of your foot become misaligned, resulting in a visible abnormality. 

Bunions affect people of all ages and races, but they’re especially common in women. That’s because many women wear shoes that crowd their toes, which can cause a bunion to develop.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Symptoms of bunions include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Calluses or corns
• Hardened skin on the bottom of your foot
• A visible bony bump at the base of your big toe

As the bunion grows, you might also experience difficulty straightening or bending your affected toe.

What causes bunions?

Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes bunions, but several factors are thought to contribute, including genetics and wearing tight shoes that push your toes together. 

You’re also more likely to experience a bunion if you have an underlying inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis. 

How are bunions diagnosed?

To diagnose a bunion, Dr. Allen asks about your symptoms and physically examines your foot and toe. Bunions cause an obvious bulge to form, so they’re easy to detect visually. 

If Dr. Allen is concerned about the alignment of your toe, he might also order X-rays to get a closer look at the bones and joints in the front of your foot.

How are bunions treated?

Treatment of a bunion at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio depends on several factors, including the size of the growth and its effect on your quality of life. Usually, Dr. Allen recommends conservative treatments like:

• Wearing more comfortable shoes with a large toe box
• Using protective padding or inserts
• Custom orthotics
• Ice
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Topical CBD products

If your bunion doesn’t respond to these treatments, you might qualify for state-of-the-art Lapiplasty. Lapiplasty does more than remove your bunion. It uses advanced fixation technology to improve the alignment of your bones, allowing you to walk comfortably within a few days of your procedure.

To receive treatment for painful bunions, make an appointment at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio by calling the nearest office today or clicking the online booking feature.