What You Should Know About Bunions

Do you know what causes bunions and what you can do to treat them? The bony bumps at the base of your big toes can make walking, exercising or even standing painful.

Fortunately, your Colorado Springs and Monument, CO, podiatrists, Drs. Matthew Hinderland and Jordan Cameron of Foot & Ankle Institute of Colorado offer a variety of bunion treatment options.

Some people are more likely to develop bunions than others

Your chances of developing a bunion may increase if:

• You have an inherited foot imbalance.
• You wear high heels or tight shoes. (You're much more likely to develop bunions if you have an inherited foot imbalance and wear these types of shoes.)
• You have arthritis in your feet.
• You have a foot deformity or injured your foot in the past.
• One of your legs is slightly longer than the other.

Bunions can cause other problems

As your bunion worsens, your big toe may begin to rub against your second and third toes, causing corns and calluses. The condition may also increase your risk of developing arthritis. If your bunions make walking uncomfortable, you may unconsciously change your gait or the way you walk. Gait changes can cause pain in your ankles, legs, hips, or backs. Bunion treatment can help you avoid these painful problems.

Bunions don't go away without treatment

You can do a few things to prevent them from worsening. Taping your foot during the day and wearing night splints while you sleep can improve the alignment of your joints and reduce pain.

Your foot doctor may also recommend wearing prescription shoe inserts called orthotics to cushion your foot and keep it properly aligned. Buying new shoes is important if you regularly wear tight shoes or high heels, as pressure from the shoes can worsen bunions.

When bunion pain doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications, a corticosteroid injection may offer relief.

If your bunions are very painful or interfere with your usual activities, your Colorado Springs or Monument podiatrist may recommend surgery. Bunion surgery involves realigning your joint and removing inflamed tissue and small areas of bone, in some cases.

Do you suffer from bunion pain? Call your Colorado Springs and Monument, CO, podiatrists, Drs. Matthew Hinderland and Jordan Cameron of Foot & Ankle Institute of Colorado, at (719) 488-4664 to schedule an appointment.