If you have a bony, swollen, or painful bump at the base of your big toe joint, it could be a bunion. At Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic, PLLC, in Littleton, Colorado, board-certified podiatrist Alfred Kwon, DPM, and his skilled staff offer several bunion treatments to give you relief and reduce the risk of future problems. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online today.

Bunions Q & A

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What are bunions?

Bunions are bony bulges that form on the joint near the base of your big toe. They appear when one of the bones in the front of your foot moves out of ideal alignment, causing the tip of your big toe to pull toward the smaller toes. Bunions can feel sore or limit your ability to stay active.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Common symptoms of bunions include:

• Corns
• Calluses
• Bulging bump on your toe joint
• Soreness
• Redness
• Swelling
• Ongoing discomfort
• Pain that comes and goes
• Limited big toe joint movement

When left untreated, complications include inflammation of fluid-filled pads near your joint (bursitis), hammertoe, and swelling or discomfort in the ball of your foot. The skin surrounding bunions could feel tender because of continuous friction against your shoe.

What are the risk factors for bunions?

Causes and risk factors for developing bunions include:

• Genetics
• Foot stress
• Injuries
• Congenital deformities
• Ill-fitted shoes
• Arthritis
• High heels

The best way to reduce your risk of getting bunions is to wear comfortable shoes and limit repetitive stress on your feet.

How does my doctor diagnose bunions?

Dr. Kwon diagnoses bunions after discussing your symptoms and medical history with you. He carefully examines your feet and toes and may take X-rays of your feet to determine the best treatment. He recommends conservative options whenever possible.

How are bunions treated?

Depending on your symptoms and the severity of the bunion, the experts at Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic could suggest:

Lifestyle changes

You might need to change your shoes, wear bunion pads, try shoe inserts, or apply ice to painful bunions to reduce discomfort and the risk of complications.

Surgery

Dr. Kwon offers bunion surgery if conservative treatments haven’t relieved bunion discomfort. He removes or alters bones and soft tissues to better align your big toe joint and correct abnormal positioning. Full recovery after bunion surgery may take several weeks or months.