Bunions

Acclaim Foot and Ankle Center

David F. Corcoran, DPM

Podiatrist located in Phoenix, AZ & Scottsdale, AZ

If you have a red, sore bump at the base of your big toe, it could be a bunion. These hard lumps can become painful and irritated, interfering with your ability to walk or feel comfortable in shoes. To get treatment from a podiatric specialist, visit Dr. David F. Corcoran, DPM, at Acclaim Foot & Ankle Center. Serving patients in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, Dr. Corcoran offers comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment for a wide range of foot and ankle problems. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book online today.

Bunions Q & A

What are bunions?

Bunions are small, bony bumps that usually form at the base of the big toe, near the joint. Bunions are also referred to as hallux valgus, and they form slowly over time. Some people develop bunions on the little toe, called bunionettes. With all bunions, the shape of your toe joint bone changes, which causes the toe to look deformed and pushes the joint out farther from the skin.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunions can create a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

Bulging bump on the outside of your big toe
Redness or changes in the texture of skin
Swelling or inflammation
Limited mobility in the toe or foot
Persistent pain or discomfort

If you have a bunion, you might also find it difficult to find shoes that don’t irritate your toe or foot. Some people with bunions might also suffer from conditions like bursitis, hammertoe, or metatarsalgia, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.

What causes bunions?

Bunions can develop for a number of reasons. In some cases, bunions might have a genetic component due to a particular foot type. Injuries to the toe or foot can also cause bunions. In most cases, however, bunions develop due to friction between the big toe and the second toe. Narrow shoes and arthritis can also cause bunions or make their symptoms worse.

How are bunions treated?

Bunions usually don’t go away on their own without some type of treatment. In some cases, surgical correction is the best option for bunions. This involves cutting or realigning the toe bone and joint so that it sits properly.

Shaving off the bump is not usually helpful for long-term relief, but Dr. Corcoran may recommend this if you’re not a candidate for surgery. Other methods like orthotics or supportive footwear can help alleviate the pain associated with bunions and prevent new ones from forming. To maintain your results after bunion treatment, make sure your shoes fit well and that they leave enough room for your toes to move.

To have a personalized consultation about bunion treatment, call Acclaim Foot & Ankle Center today or book an appointment online.

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