Kansas City Institute of Podiatry – Bunions Specialists
Bunions are a common problem, easily identified by the bump that appears on the side of your big toe. Many patients, however, don’t realize the bump represents changes in the bone and joint, which continue to worsen without treatment. Our doctors are experts in treating bunions so you can get back to enjoying your usual activities without pain. To schedule a bunion examination at Kansas City Institute of Podiatry, call the office in Overland Park, Kansas or book an appointment online.
A bunion is a foot deformity that occurs when the bones in your big toe are pushed out of their typical position. This type of deformity develops over time as pressure forces the tip of your big toe to lean toward the second toe.
As the tip of the toe bends, the joint at the base of the toe is forced to stick out. This creates the classic sign of a bunion: a bump on the side of your foot.
When your bunion goes untreated, the structure of your toe changes and the joint becomes inflamed. You can also develop bursitis, an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the joint.
The classic symptom is the protruding bump at the base of your big toe, but you may also have symptoms such as:
- Pain from rubbing against shoes
- Swelling and redness
- Difficulty walking
- Callus on the bottom of your foot
- Limited movement in your big toe
Women are eight times more likely to develop a bunion than men, primarily due to their shoes. Your risk for a bunion is higher if you:
- Wear shoes that are too short or narrow for your foot
- Wear shoes with a pointed toe
- Wear high-heeled shoes
You may also tend to develop a bunion if you have flat feet or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Your doctor at Kansas City Institute of Podiatry develops a customized treatment plan to relieve your pain and stop the deformity from worsening. Your treatment may include:
Changes to Shoes
- Protective padding to eliminate friction and relieve pain
- Orthotic inserts to stabilize the joint
- Shoes with extra width to take pressure away from the toe
- Prescription shoes with space for the bunion
Other Treatments
- Wearing splints at night to realign your toe
- Structured exercise plans to restore movement
- Surgery for removing the bunion and realigning the toe
Seeking early treatment is important for preventing progressive bone deformity. Call Kansas City Institute of Podiatry or use online booking to schedule an appointment.