Bunions

About one-third of American adults have bunions –– large, swollen bumps that form on the outer edge of the big toe joint. At his practice in The Woodlands and Humble, Texas, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Jason Armstrong, DPM, uses non- and minimally invasive treatments, like custom-fitted orthotics and bunionectomy to prevent bunions from getting worse, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Call Jason Armstrong, DPM, today to schedule a bunion consultation, or book your appointment online.

Do bunions cause big toe pain and swelling?

Yes. Bunions form when the bones at the front of your foot change position due to general wear-and-tear or how you walk. Over time, these changes cause your big toe (metatarsophalangeal) joint to bulge outward, causing toe pain, stiffness, and a swollen lump.

Some bunions are small and annoying, while others are large and debilitating. Regardless, seeking treatment is necessary. Without medical attention, bunions worsen, affecting mobility and quality of life.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunion symptoms include:

• Problems bending your big toe
• Redness and swelling
• Pain when moving your big toe
• Corns, calluses, or blisters
• Big toe numbness

Depending on how severe the bunion is, you could develop hammertoe –– a condition that causes your toe joint to stay locked in a bent position.

Should I see a foot and ankle specialist about bunions?

Make an appointment with Dr. Armstrong if you have ongoing foot or toe pain that doesn’t improve with ice, rest, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin). That’s particularly true if your big toe joint’s range of motion is restricted or it keeps you from work, exercise, and other routine activities.

How does a foot and ankle specialist diagnose bunions?

Dr. Armstrong reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your big toe and the joint. He looks for redness, swelling, and bruising and gently moves your toe back and forth, assessing its flexibility and range of motion.

Bunions are easy to identify, but Dr. Armstrong will order X-rays or an MRI if he suspects an underlying problem, like a fracture, soft-tissue damage, or a dislocated joint.

How are bunions treated?

Bunions don’t get better on their own. Dr. Armstrong treats them using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:

• Custom-fitted orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Bunions pads or taping
• Wearing shoes with a wide toe box
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Icing the bunion
• Corticosteroid injections

Dr. Armstrong recommends a bunionectomy if your bunion continues growing and affects your walking ability. This minimally invasive surgery realigns the bones at the front of your foot, eliminating the bunion and restoring your range of motion.

Call the practice of Jason Armstrong, DPM, today to schedule a bunion consultation, or book your appointment online.