Identifying a Bunion
You can tell if you have a bunion by looking down at your feet while standing. If your big toe leans inward toward the other toes and has a bony pointed protrusion at its base on the outside edge of the foot, then you’re dealing with a bunion. Aside from the obvious appearance, some symptoms of bunions include:
- Pain that’s either constant or comes and goes
- Redness and/ or swelling at the bunion site
- Limited movement of the big toe
- Calluses and corns caused by the misalignment
In severe cases, bunions require surgery. Bunion surgery, called a bunionectomy, will be suggested if after examination, your doctor believes it is the best course of action.
How do you prevent bunions?
Sometimes bunions are hereditary or caused by a misalignment in the body. But the danger of bunions worsens when patients wear ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too narrow at the front of the foot can crowd the toes, leading to a bunion. Because women are more likely to wear narrow shoe styles, especially high heels, they are more likely to develop bunions than men.
If you’re dealing with a painful bunion, don’t wait to get help. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your specific foot care needs.
