Bunions

Why do bunions form?

Bunions affect the main joint at the base of your big toe. They generally form because your big toe is pushed out of proper alignment and gets shoved into your smaller toes. This commonly happens if you often wear pointy or snug-fitting shoes, such as high heels.

Your toe begins getting used to this new crooked position over time. Ligaments, muscles, and other connective tissues adjust to hold your toe in this position, while your joint gradually starts to change shape. This is why that bony bump — the notorious bunion — develops. 

Ill-fitting shoes aren’t the only things that increase your risk of bunions. This progressive disorder is more likely to occur if you have:

• Toe injuries or history of foot trauma
• Inherited faulty mechanical structure
• Arthritic conditions

Bunions can affect both men and women because of these issues, and without proper medical intervention, bunions often continue worsening.

Why do I need treatment for bunions? 

The team at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic encourages you to come in for a bunion evaluation early on as bunions start developing. They can often provide treatments to delay the progression of the condition. It’s important to get started on treatment if you experience:

• Inflammation or redness
• Numbness or burning pain
• Limited range of motion in your big toe

The longer you go with untreated bunions, the more the deformity can affect you. Your toe joint can stiffen, which can affect your gait. Over time, these changes in the way you walk can lead to strain on bones and connective tissues in your feet and ankles, all the way up to your hips and lower back. 

What is the treatment for bunions?

Since bunions are known for leading to widespread pain, the team at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic performs on-site diagnostic testing to get to the root of your condition. After gathering any necessary digital X-rays and performing evaluations, your podiatrist designs your bunion treatment plan, which may include:

• Activity modifications 
• Changes in shoewear
• Custom orthotic devices
• Strapping and taping
• Injection therapy 
• Physical therapy 
• Bunion padding
• Ice therapy 

Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) is typically the last resort if conservative treatments haven’t been successful for you or if you have a severely stiffened bunion. Your dedicated podiatrist at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic tailors your bunion correction procedure to your specific diagnosis. 

Using minimally invasive measures, your podiatrist can remove the bump of the bone, correct changes in the bony structure of your foot, and any soft tissue issues. The goal of bunion surgery is to reduce pain and restore your quality of life. 

You won’t have to live another day with bunion pain when you seek the help of Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic. Click the online booking tool or call the clinic nearest you to schedule an exam today. 

We are located in Draper, Utah and Orem, Utah. Call us to see our podiatrist, Dr. Brockbank today.