Bunion
Bunion Specialists
Bunions can affect anyone, but they’re especially common in women who wear tight, narrow shoes such as high heels. Left untreated, bunions may negatively affect your mobility and make even simple tasks like running errands or climbing stairs painful and difficult. At Eastside Podiatry PLLC in St. Clair Shores and Fraser, Michigan, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons Hatim Burhani, DPM, FACFAS, Siraj Panchbhaiya, DPM, FACFAS, and the team specialize in diagnosing and treating bunions. To make an appointment, call the office and speak with a friendly team member or book online today.
Bunion Q & A
What are bunions?
Bunions affect millions of Americans. About a quarter of Americans develop bunions at some point, making them a common condition. They’re hard, bony bumps that develop on the outside of the foot at the base of the big toe.
A bunion occurs when the bones in the front of your foot move out of place. This makes your big toe place pressure on your smaller toes, causing your big toe joint to bulge and stick out. As your bunion grows in size, it triggers swelling, irritation, and redness of the skin around the toe joint.
What are the symptoms of bunions?
What causes bunions?
The exact cause of bunions isn’t fully understood, but several factors may contribute. You might experience a bunion as a result of:
- Your unique foot structure
- Stress on your toes or feet
- Previous injury to your toe
- Foot deformity
- Type of shoes you wear
Certain medical conditions also increase your risk. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory joint disorder, you’re more likely to experience a bunion.
What is the process for diagnosing bunions?
The providers at Eastside Podiatry PLLC diagnose bunions by physically examining your feet and toes. Following your exam, your provider may order X-rays to better assess the severity and plan treatment.
What is the process for treating bunions?
Treating bunions depends on the severity of your condition and its impact on your quality of life. For mild to moderate bunions, providers often suggest bunion pads or shoe inserts to cushion your foot and reduce irritation. You might also benefit from taking over-the-counter pain medications and applying ice to your foot.
If your bunion severely limits mobility or causes persistent pain, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and relieve pressure. There are several types of bunion surgeries to straighten your toe and address swelling.
Don’t let bunions hold you back from daily activities. Request an appointment at Eastside Podiatry PLLC by calling the office or booking online today.
Faq...
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and may include X-rays to assess the severity and determine the best treatment plan.
Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within 6–8 weeks, depending on the procedure and individual healing.
With proper footwear and foot care, recurrence is rare. However, maintaining follow-up care and avoiding high-pressure shoes is essential.