The bony outcropping of a bunion can be painful, especially when shoes rub uncomfortably against it. At the Foot, Ankle and Leg Vein Center, you can find surgical treatment options that get rid of the pain and unsightliness of bunions.
A bunion is a condition of the big toe joint that increases in severity over time. Bunions occur when the big toe begins to press against the other toes, forcing it away from its normal position. This gradually enlarges the joint at the base of your big toe, increasing discomfort and crowding as the problem goes untreated. Bunions can also occur on the outside of the foot, which is called a Tailor’s bunion or bunionette.
Bunions may develop due to unbalanced pressure on your feet that eventually leads to instability in your big toe joint. Though bunions can run in families and are most common in women, other factors may also increase your risk of bunions, including:
Dr. Jason Gold can typically diagnose bunions with a visual examination. He will likely ask you about the severity and location of your pain while also inspecting for signs of redness, swelling and a restricted range of motion. An x-ray may also be used for an in-depth view of your bunion and its causes.
Though some bunions do not produce serious symptoms and may be treated with conservative means like orthotics and roomy shoes, surgical intervention is the only way to truly correct the bony deformity of a bunion. At your visit, x-rays will be taken to determine the extent of the deformity and the exact procedure that would be required to correct it.
Most procedures are done at an outpatient surgical center and most patients can walk immediately after the operation. Scar reduction techniques are employed during bunion correction surgery as well.
We are happy to help with treatment of your bunions in our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach offices today!