When you have a bunion, that swollen bony bump at the base of your big toe, finding comfortable shoes can seem impossible. If you’re suffering from bunion discomfort, schedule an evaluation with board-certified podiatrist Jennifer Tauber, DPM, of New Canaan Podiatry. Dr. Tauber offers personalized bunion treatments in her New Canaan, Connecticut, practice. You can conveniently book your bunion exam either online or over the phone.
book onlineWhy do bunions develop?
Bunions are joint deformities at the base of your big toe that affect both men and women. Your chances of developing bunions typically come down to your inherited foot structure. Certain faulty foot structure mechanics can leave your toe joints unstable.
When this occurs, every time you slip on a pair of snug-fitting, pointy, or high-heeled shoes, your big toe moves on top of your second toe in an effort to make room for itself. But if your toe joint is naturally unstable, over time if you continue wearing ill-fitting shoes, your joint actually starts to change shape.
This is when a bunion starts developing, and that obvious bony bump begins forming at the base of your big toe. Plus, your risk of developing bunions increases even more if you have an injury, arthritis, or neuromuscular condition.
Do bunions cause symptoms?
Not always, although bunions are progressive and generally tend to get worse if you don’t start taking steps to treat team. As bunions worsen over time, you may start experiencing:
- Pain, tenderness, and inflammation
- Redness and irritation
- Corns and calluses
Bunions can become so severe, they start leading to serious toe joint stiffness and limited range-of-motion, which can change the way you walk. For these reasons, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tauber at New Canaan Podiatry as soon as your bunion starts forming.
What is the treatment for bunions?
Dr. Tauber evaluates your bunions and looks at any essential X-ray imaging to design an effective bunion treatment plan. Depending on your diagnosis, your bunion treatment plan may include any of the following solutions:
- Custom orthotics
- Specialized shoes
- Splinting, taping, and padding
- Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid injections
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Lubricating Supartz hyaluronic acid injections
If conservative measures aren’t enough, or if your bunion keeps getting worse, Dr. Tauber could recommend bunion surgery (bunionectomy). With modern advancements in surgical tools and techniques, Dr. Tauber can realign your big toe joint, remove damaged tissues, and make repairs, all by using minimally invasive measures.
Schedule your bunion evaluation at New Canaan Podiatry today. Request an appointment online or call the office directly.