Bunions

Up to one-third of Americans have bunions –– bony bumps that form on the outside edge of the big toe. At Prestige Podiatry Care in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, board-certified podiatrist Shivani Panchal, DPM, has years of experience diagnosing and treating bunions with conservative and minimally invasive measures. Call Prestige Podiatry Care to schedule a bunion appointment, or book your visit online today. 

Does a bunion make your big toe joint swollen and red?

Bunions are painful growths that affect the big toe –– or metatarsophalangeal –– joint and may cause swelling and redness. They form when the bones at the front of your foot change position due to general wear-and-tear or the way you walk. Over time, these changes cause your big toe joint to bulge outward, causing a visible abnormality. 

Some bunions are small and don’t cause issues. However, meeting with a podiatrist is crucial. Without treatment, the condition worsens, increasing your risk of mobility problems and chronic pain. 

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunion symptoms include the following:

• Big toe numbness
• Difficulty bending or wiggling the big toe
• Pain or burning
• Hammertoes
• Corns, calluses, or blisters on top of the big toe

As the bunion grows, you might have trouble wearing shoes. 

Who is at risk of developing bunions?

Anyone can develop a bunion, but you’re more likely to experience one if you have family members with bunions or a history of traumatic foot injuries. Underlying medical issues also play a role. For example, if you have an inflammatory disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, you’re more likely to develop bunions.

How does a podiatrist diagnose bunions?

Dr. Panchal reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your big toe. Bunions are easy to see, but she might also order X-rays to check for joint damage and assess the alignment of the bones at the front of your foot. 

How are bunions treated?

At Prestige Podiatry Care, Dr. Panchal treats bunions using a conservative and patient-centered approach. Depending on the size and severity of your bunion, she might suggest:

• Bunion pads or taping
• Footwear changes
• Custom orthotics
• Corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation
• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications

If your symptoms continue or worsen, Dr. Panchal might recommend a series of treatments with the Remy laser. The Remy laser is a class IV laser that uses targeted light energy to reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and promote healing at the cellular level.

If your bunion affects your mobility or daily routine, Dr. Panchal might suggest minimally invasive bunion surgery, but only as a last resort. During bunion surgery, Dr. Panchal uses small instruments to realign the bones at the front of your foot. 

Call Prestige Podiatry Care to schedule treatment for bunions, or book your appointment online today.