Bunion Specialist

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a swollen, hardened bump that develops on the outer edge of your foot at the base of your big toe. It occurs as a result of the bones at the front of your foot moving out of place. 

Ultimately, this causes the top of your big toe to pull downward, placing pressure on your other toes. Over time, this forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out and become enlarged. 

Anyone can get a bunion, but there are several factors that increase your risk, including wearing tight or narrow shoes, having a foot deformity, or being diagnosed with a chronic condition like arthritis. 

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

The most obvious symptom of a bunion is a swollen bump at the base of your big toe. Other telltale signs include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Soreness
• Pain that increases with activity
• Limited movement of your big toe

If you have a bunion, it’s also common to develop corns or calluses on the top of your affected toe. 

When should I see a doctor about a bunion?

Some bunions only cause minor discomfort. If you’re able to perform routine tasks, you might benefit from taking over-the-counter pain medicine or changing into more comfortable shoes. That said, you should make an appointment at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado if: 

• You experience regular foot or toe pain
• You have a swollen bump at the base of your big toe
• You have difficulty finding shoes that fit around your bunion

You should also visit with a podiatrist if you’re unable to put weight on your affected toe or it’s negatively affecting your mobility.

How are bunions diagnosed?

To diagnose a bunion, your Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado provider examines your foot and toes and asks you about your symptoms. Your doctor also takes a series of X-rays to get a closer look at the bones and joints in your feet. 

How are bunions treated?

Treatment for bunions depends on the size and severity of the bunion. If you have a small bunion, you might benefit from simple lifestyle changes such as wearing more comfortable shoes, using over-the-counter non medicated bunion pads, or applying ice. 

If conservative measures of care don’t provide relief, your podiatrist might recommend surgery. At Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, the team offers several new and advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgery. 

These treatments improve healing times and increase how quickly patients can return to full activity. 

To learn more about treatment for bunions, request an appointment at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado by calling the office nearest you or clicking the online booking tool.