Easing Discomfort from Bunions

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump caused by the joint between your foot and your big toe growing out of alignment. The joint grows outward, causing the big toe to point inward toward the other toes. The same process can affect the joint of the foot and the little toe. These are called tailor’s bunions or bunionettes.

Bunions worsen with time, so it’s important to see your doctor at Dignity Health to slow or stop them from getting worse. We provide solutions designed to ease pain and increase mobility. If you would like treatment for a bunion in the Bay Area, Find a Doctor online.

Bunion Symptoms

The most obvious sign of a bunion is a deformity at the base of the big toe. The bony bump causes other signs and symptoms, including: 

• Callus or corn on the bump
• Hardening of the skin on the bottom of the foot
• Pain
• Redness
• Soreness
• Stiffening of the joint
• Swelling

What Causes Bunions?

Women have bunions more often than men, because they are often caused by high heels or shoes with tight, narrow, or pointed toe boxes. Some people are predisposed to developing bunions because of an inherited faulty foot structure. 

Having a neuromuscular condition, such as cerebral palsy, or an inflammatory condition, such as arthritis, can also increase the likelihood of having bunions.

Find Bunion Treatment in the Bay Area

Our orthopedists first focus on nonsurgical treatment strategies for bunions. Anti-inflammatory medicines and icing the bunion can help relieve pain and discomfort. Bunion shields and orthotics can help relieve pressure on the bunion. Wearing shoes with wide toe boxes can help stop the bunion from worsening. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you are still in pain after applying these nonsurgical approaches.

At Dignity Health, our orthopedic specialists will design a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Call (866) 466-1401 today for a doctor referral.