Bunion

Bunion Specialists

Bunions can affect anyone, but they’re especially common in women who wear toe crowding shoes, like high heels. Left untreated, bunions may negatively affect your mobility and make even simple tasks like running errands or climbing stairs both 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. It’s estimated that about a quarter of the population has a bunion at any given time. 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?

The most obvious symptom of a hammertoe is a visible, hook-like bend that occurs in one or more of your middle toes. If you have a hammertoe, you might also experience corns, calluses, and blisters on the tops of your affected toe. If you have diabetes or another chronic condition, hammertoes can also increase your risk of infection, gangrene, or amputation.

What causes bunions?

Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes bunions, but a variety of factors are thought to play a role. 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 might also recommend taking X-rays to determine the best way to treat it.

What is the process for treating bunions?

Treating bunions depends on the severity of your condition and its impact on your quality of life. If you have a mild or moderate bunion, your provider might recommend wearing bunion pads or shoe inserts that cushion your foot and prevent further irritation. You might also benefit from taking over-the-counter pain medications and applying ice to your foot.

If your bunion affects your mobility or causes persistent pain, surgical intervention may be necessary. There are several types of bunion surgeries to straighten your toe and address swelling.

Don’t let bunions prevent you from living your best life. Request an appointment at Eastside Podiatry PLLC by calling the office or booking online today.