All About Bunions
Bunions or Hallux Valgus are bony bumps that can cause a joint deformity at the base of the big toe. Over time, bunions can become quite painful because a person’s bodyweight is placed on the foot with every step or jump.
What can cause bunions?
Although the exact cause of foot bunions remains unknown, some studies suggest that it can be caused by poor foot structure.
Foot bunions develop during early adulthood and eventually gets worse with age.
This condition can be inherited.
Wearing tight-fitting shoes especially for children with developing feet
Sports injuries (sprains and fractures)
Nerve injuries
Complication of a disease (nerve injuries, polio and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
Unequal leg length – a foot bunion might develop on the longer leg because more stress is placed on the foot.
Activities that place above normal stress on the feet (dancing)
Arthritis
Consulting with a foot specialist or podiatrist when the first symptoms of a bunion gives you the best chance of stopping further bone degradation. The doctors at Foot and Ankle Centers of North Houston are podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from bunions.
What are the signs and symptoms of bunions?
Bunions may or may not show any obvious symptoms. However, the major sign of having a foot bunion is when the big toe points towards the other toes of the same foot and a bump develops on the outer side of the big toe.
Pain when walking or wearing shoes which is immediately relieved by resting the foot
Swelling, redness and tenderness around the area of the big toe
Deformity, unusual shape of the big toe
Chronic pain and excruciating pain when pressure or weight is applied on the foot
These symptoms may get worse if the foot bunion is not treated. This is why it is essential to identify the early signs of a bunion to help prevent the condition from worsening. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating foot conditions such as bunions.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.