Bunion

Up to 1 in 3 Americans have bunions –– hard, swollen bumps that form on the outside edge of the big toe. At Podiatry Institute of the South, the team of board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons offers various treatments for bunions, including orthotics, prescription shoes, and minimally invasive surgery. Call the nearest office in Senatobia, Mississippi, West Memphis, Arkansas, or Memphis, Millington, or Bartlett, Tennessee, to make an appointment or book online today. 

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a swollen lump that forms on the outer edge of the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions occur when the bones at the front of your foot change position because of an unusual gait (the way you walk) or an abnormal foot shape. While anyone can experience a bunion, they’re most common in women.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

The symptoms of a bunion include:

• Corns or calluses
• Numbness in the big toe
• Inability to bend the toe
• Pain, redness, or swelling

As the condition worsens, your big toe might even become locked in a bent position (hammer toe).

Should I see a podiatrist about a bunion?

Make an appointment with the Podiatry Institute of the South team if you have a red or swollen big toe and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, such as ice, rest, or anti-inflammatory medication. That’s especially true if the bunion affects your ability to work or exercise.

How is a bunion diagnosed?

To diagnose a bunion, your Podiatry Institute of the South provider reviews your medical records and asks about the bunion, including when you first noticed it, if it’s changed size, and if it’s painful.

Next, your provider examines the bunion. They look at your toes and the ball of your foot for redness, swelling, and bruising. Then, they order digital imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI, to check for bone damage and to assess the alignment of your big toe joint.

How is a bunion treated?

The treatment of a bunion depends on various things, including your age, lifestyle, and the bunion’s size. The team at Podiatry Institute of the South usually recommends a minimally invasive approach, including:

• Bunion pads or taping
• Wearing shoes with wide toe boxes
• Custom orthotics
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, your provider might recommend surgery. At Podiatry Institute of the South, the team performs a type of minimally invasive bunion surgery called Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™.

Call the nearest Podiatry Institute of the South office or book online to receive treatment for a bunion today.