Bunions

As one of the most prevalent foot conditions, bunions, also medically referred to as hallux valgus, can cause significant pain, discomfort, and even long-term difficulty walking. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of the condition.

At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in the Greater Columbus area, we understand the physical and emotional toll that bunions can take on patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to healthier feet.

Conditions We Treat

Do I Need Surgery?

Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.

What Our Patients Say

“You were prepared regarding my foot issues before you stepped in the room! I appreciated your knowledge, explanations and graphics to show me what we can do. You gave me hope today!! Thank you!” — Heidi C.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion (also known as a hallux valgus deformity) is characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe joint. It occurs when the metatarsal bone shifts out of alignment, causing the big toe to angle inward toward the second toe. Over time, this misalignment puts strain on the toe joint, often resulting in the formation of a fluid-filled sac, or bursa, that contributes to swelling and pain.

In severe cases, the big toe may overlap the second toe or press against the third toe or other toes, leading to complications such as corns, calluses, and changes in gait.

Why Do Bunions Develop?

Several factors contribute to bunion development:

Wearing pointed shoes, high heels, or any footwear with a narrow toe box forces the toes into unnatural positions.
Shoes that don’t fit properly can lead to constant friction where the toes rub, especially the little toe against the fourth toe, which may also cause a tailor’s bunion.
Hereditary factors that influence the size and shape of your foot
Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis increase your risk.
Age-related degeneration, such as thinning of the fat pad on the sole of the foot, makes the metatarsal bone more vulnerable to displacement.

Wearing comfortable shoes with broad toe boxes, soft soles, and sufficient support can reduce this risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Bunions?

You may have a bunion if you experience:

Bunion pain and inflammation near the big toe joint
A visible bump on the side of the foot
Toe deformity or overlapping of smaller toes
Calluses or corns where the toes rub
Limited flexibility or difficulty walking
Pain when you wear shoes, especially those with narrow toe boxes

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

We diagnose bunions through:

A visual inspection of the foot
A physical exam to assess the movement of the affected toe
Evaluation of how the toes rub or press together
Imaging, such as X-rays, to examine the bunion deformity and determine the extent of joint misalignment

Once we understand the structural issue, we’ll recommend a tailored treatment plan to reduce symptoms and correct alignment.

How Are Bunions Treated?

Bunions can be treated using non-surgical or surgical treatments.

Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments

Most bunions, especially mild to moderate ones, can be managed without surgery:

Changing footwear: Choose shoes with a wide toe box and cushioned, soft soles to minimize pressure.
Toe spacers: These separate the big toe from the second toe and help realign the joint.
Orthotic devices and shoe inserts: Custom orthotic devices can support proper foot mechanics and reduce strain on the affected toe.
Bunion pads: Offer protection against pressure and friction when you wear shoes.
Medications: NSAIDs like ibuprofen help manage pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle can be provided through physical therapy.

Surgical Bunion Treatment

When conservative methods fail to relieve pain, bunion surgery may be the best solution. We often recommend lapiplasty bunion surgery for patients with advanced bunion deformities. This procedure stabilizes the joint by correcting the position of the metatarsal bone using precision tools and sometimes screws or plates. Most procedures are performed under regional anesthesia for maximum comfort.

How Can I Prevent Bunions?

You can often prevent bunions or stop their progression by:

Wearing comfortable shoes with broad toe boxes
Avoiding high heels, pointed shoes, or footwear with a narrow toe box
Using shoe inserts or custom orthotic devices
Addressing other foot conditions like hammertoe or overlapping toes early
Staying active and practicing proper posture to evenly distribute your weight
Seeking early care from a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist

Address Your Bunion Pain Today

Don’t let bunion discomfort slow you down. If you have a bunion deformity that’s affecting your daily life or limiting your ability to walk, we’re here to help. At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Columbus, OH, our experts specialize in bunion treatment, including both conservative therapies and lapiplasty surgery.

Whether your goal is to wear your favorite shoes again or simply move without pain, we’ll help you take the next step. Call us today to schedule your appointment and start walking toward a pain-free life.

Medically reviewed by Roberto A. Brandão, DPM, FACFAS

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