Bunions are a common foot condition that occurs when the big toe becomes deformed and points inward, towards the rest of the toes. The base of the big toe joint will point outward, while the top of the big toe will move horizontally towards the other toes. This can also cause the joint at the base of the big toe to become enlarged and painful. Bunions develop over time, and they tend to run in families. Wearing shoes that fit poorly or put pressure on your feet can also contribute to bunion development.
Just because bunions are very common, it doesn’t mean they should not be taken seriously. Here, we give you four reasons why you should never ignore bunions.
#1 Bunions can be extremely painful.
The big toe joint is one of the most important joints in the foot, and when it becomes swollen and inflamed, it can cause a lot of pain. Moderate to severe bunion pain can develop when you stand or walk for an extended period of time. It can also be difficult to find well-fitting shoes, which can make common footwear painful to wear.
# 2 Bunions can lead to other foot issues
If left untreated, bunions can lead to other problems with the feet, including calluses and corns, hammertoe (an abnormal bend in the middle toe), and metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of your foot). This is because the deformity of the bunion causes abnormal pressure on different areas of the foot when walking or standing. Over time, this can lead to changes in the shape of the foot and pain in other areas.
# 3 Bunions can make walking difficult
When bunions become large enough, they can make it difficult to walk because of all the pressure that is placed on the big toe joint when walking or standing. This can also lead to balance problems and falls if you’re not careful. For your mobility and safety, have your bunions treated by a podiatrist or a foot and ankle doctor.
# 4 Bunions left untreated for too long may require surgery to correct
In some cases of untreated bunions, surgery may be required to correct the deformity. The big toe will continue to drift out of alignment, causing pain and worsening the deformity. Surgery involves cutting out part of the bone that’s protruding from side of the foot, so the big toe becomes straight again. Surgery will also realign ligaments and tendons around the joint. Afterward, you‘ll likely need several weeks for recovery before returning back to normal activities. If you want to avoid surgery, have your bunions treated as early as possible.
Bunion Treatment in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, Live Oak, TX
The podiatrists (foot and ankle doctors) at The Podiatry Group of South Texas can expertly treat your bunion problem and put you on the path to recovery. Your feet deserve the best possible care from doctors who specialize in foot and ankle care. We can help reduce your risk of experiencing a worsening of the condition through treatment and guidance on proper footwear and lifestyle changes. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
