Bunions Specialist

Am I at risk of developing bunions?

You may have a risk of developing a bunion or suffering from progressive bunion issues if you have faulty foot mechanics. These are inherited traits, like flat feet or high arches, that can lead to joint instability or other issues that can increase your risk of forming bunions. Your chances of having bunions also increases due to:

• Wearing snug-fitting shoes or high heels
• Arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis
• Foot injury or trauma

A similar type of condition can form on your little toe for the same reasons. When a bony bump develops at the base of your baby toe, it’s known as a bunionette or a Tailor’s bunion.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunions generally form gradually over time. Initially, you may notice that your big toe starts leaning over on top — or underneath — of your smaller toes. Your toe joint may start changing shape to accommodate the new alignment of your big toe, forcing that red and inflamed bony bump to develop.

Depending on how far your bunion has progressed and whether or not your shoes are aggravating it, you may have:

• Joint stiffness
• Corns and calluses
• Difficulty walking
• Swelling and tenderness

Since bunions are known for progressing and causing worsening symptoms, it’s important to schedule a bunion evaluation at Katy Foot Doctor as soon as your bunion starts forming.

Do I need surgery for my bunions?

Not always. At Katy Foot Doctor, Dr. Bruscia examines your bunions and gathers in-house digital X-ray images (if needed) to determine the severity of your joint deformity. In most cases, he begins by putting together a personalized conservative bunion treatment plan, which can include:

• Changes in footwear
• Custom orthotic inserts
• Padding, strapping, and taping
• Physical therapy or daily stretching exercises
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Even though these types of conservative bunion treatments are beneficial for relieving pain and inflammation, they don’t correct your joint. If noninvasive therapies aren’t working, or if you have a severe bunion deformity, Dr. Bruscia could recommend surgery.

Modern bunion surgeries are minimally invasive procedures that involve correcting and realigning your toe joint. Depending on your specific condition, our doctors can remove damaged tissues and reshape your toe joint to restore your toe function. No matter which type of bunion treatment is best for your needs, you can expect comprehensive care at Foot & Ankle Institute.

If you have a bunion, you have plenty of options for treatment at Foot & Ankle Institute. Click on the online scheduler to book your bunion exam or call our offices directly.