What causes bunions?
Bunions are joint deformities that develop at the base of the big toe. Women's shoes can be an exacerbating factor in pushing the big toe out of alignment. Continually wearing footwear that has inadequate room can irritate the toe joint.
Major causes of bunions include:
- Inherited foot shape
- Injuries or trauma
It’s possible to develop a similar condition on the other side of the foot in the pinky toe. This deformity, called a bunionette or tailor’s bunion, has the same causes as a bunion that forms on the big toe.
Are bunions painful?
Bunions can be painful as the toe joint itself may become stiff, inflamed, and sore. Over time a bunion may lead to the loss of flexibility in the affected toe and impact movement.
Bunions may also make shoes fit uncomfortably and cause rubbing and irritation of the skin. This can lead to uncomfortable calluses over the bony bump of the bunion.
Severe bunions might start pushing nearby toes out of alignment as well. This can contribute to the formation of painful hammertoes.
How are bunions treated?
Dr. Rubenstein often takes in-office digital X-rays when seeing patients for a bunion to create the most effective treatment plan. Conservative bunion therapies can include:
- Custom foot orthotics
- Padding, strapping, or taping
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Specialized shoes
Most bunion sufferers begin seeing the results of treatment within a few weeks. If the bunion discomfort persists or gets worse despite conservative measures, Dr. Rubenstein might suggest bunion surgery.
Advances in modern bunion surgery have made the procedure much less invasive. During surgery, Dr. Rubenstein carefully realigns the affected toe joint and, if needed, removes damaged bone or tissue. Dr. Rubenstein has extensive experience in advanced bunion surgery, so patients can expect to be walking around within a few days of surgery and back to most regular activities the following week.
Schedule a bunion exam at the office of Dr. Scott Rubenstein today. Request an appointment online or call the office directly at 212-674-1120.
