Bunion treatments in Boynton Beach are available for people with a painful big toe joint. Conditions that affect the feet are many and can range in severity and discomfort. The more serious conditions have the potential to impact your mobility and overall quality of life.
If you’re like the majority of the adult population, your large or big toe likely leans in towards your smaller toes. While this doesn’t typically cause problems throughout adolescence and young adulthood, as you age, you could develop bunions in both feet.
A bunion is a very painful enlarged bump that is located at the base of the big toe. This, in turn, can lead to problems wearing shoes and performing activities.
Learn about the signs and symptoms of bunions and find out how a podiatrist can help with bunion treatments in Boynton Beach.
Know the Symptoms
There are a few telltale signs that will indicate that you have a bunion. You may have already noticed some of these, even if they are infrequent or in their early stages
- One of the most obvious symptoms is the bulge or bump that appears on the outside of your big toe. It will be visible at the base, right where your big toe connects with your foot.
- Pain from a bunion can come and go. Footwear and physical activity may aggravate the bunion. If you do experience pain from a bunion, it will usually be localized to the area around the base of your big toe.
- Calluses and corns can develop because of a bunion. These usually form between the big toe and second toe where they rub together.
- A bunion could reduce the movement you have in your big toe. If you have noticed a bump at the base of the toe and find that you can’t move the toe like you once could, it’s a strong suggestion that a bunion has formed.
Ultimately, by understanding the symptoms, you will know when it’s time to visit your podiatrist in Boynton Beach. Schedule an appointment at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center if you have experienced any of the above symptoms. Our board-certified foot doctors will perform a complete examination and review your medical history to identify the cause and treat any discomfort or pain that you are experiencing.
What Risk Factors Contribute to Bunion Formation?
Bunions can form in anyone, but women are more prone to developing them. The type of footwear worn is a major factor.
- Wearing high heels forces the toes into an outward ‘V’ shape at the front of the shoes. This crowds the toes and can lead to the formation of bunions.
- If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you will have an increased chance of developing bunions in the future.
- Like many medical conditions, bunions can be hereditary. If you have inherited genes that cause abnormalities in the feet, you could be at higher risk.
- All types of poorly fitted shoes could cause the formation of bunions over a long period of time. Avoid wearing pointed shoes, shoes that are too small, or shoes that are too narrow.
Even when you take steps to protect your body, medical abnormalities can occur. It’s relieving to know that you can get bunion treatment in Boynton beach at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center.
Are There Complications That Can Develop From Bunions?
For most people, the biggest problems are pain and limited mobility. However, in some cases, other conditions could develop if you don’t seek treatment.
Without treatment, you could develop inflammation around the joints between your toe and foot bones. After the bunion is formed, a bursa may develop causing an excruciatingly painful condition. The entire ball of your foot can become swollen and inflamed if you don’t seek treatment for your bunion. Furthermore, with a bunion, an abnormal bending of the toe can develop — a condition known as hammertoe.
Your feet are incredibly important. Having reduced mobility and frequent pain is not something that anyone should have to deal with. If you believe that you have developed bunions or even any of the complications mentioned above, it’s time to book bunion treatment in Boynton Beach.
Bunion Treatments in Boynton Beach by Your Foot Doctor
At the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus or Dr. Jason Gold will perform a physical examination to look for the signs of a bunion or any related conditions. Digital x-ray imaging will be used to confirm the diagnosis and map out the extent of the damage.
There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments available at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center. Surgical treatments are typically used to relieve pain and pressure in more severe cases.
NONSURGICAL OPTIONS
- Changing your footwear to shoes that offer more space for your toes.
- Using padding to protect your foot from rubbing against the inside of your shoe.
- To alleviate symptoms in the short-term try anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medication.
- Ice can provide temporary pain relief.
- To prevent minor bunions from progressing, shoe inserts may be used to provide additional padding and distribute pressure.
SURGICAL OPTIONS
In advanced cases of bunions, the pain will not subside and surgery may be necessary. During surgery, a podiatrist will:
- Remove the inflamed tissue from around the toe joint.
- Remove small sections of bone to straighten the big toe.
- Realign the toes to eliminate pressure and contact between toes.
- to prevent future deformities, In some cases, the joints at the big toe may be joined.
RECOVERY FROM SURGERY
Recovery from treatment could take anything from a few days to a few months, depending on the surgery performed. Your treatment and recovery outlook will be fully covered during consultations with your foot doctor in Boynton Beach.
The symptoms of a bunion should not be overlooked, even if the pain and discomfort are still minor. The condition can progress over time, leading to severe pain and complex surgery requirements. If you suspect a bunion or are experiencing pain symptoms like those described above, it’s time to book an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists.
Get bunion treatment at Boynton Beach today, and protect the health of your feet for the years to come.
