Bunion

Bunion offered in Montebello and Duarte, CA

Bunion

If you have a painful, bony bump at the base of your big toe, it may be a bunion. At West Beverly Podiatry Group in Montebello and Duarte, California, Michael Vega, DPM, Johnny Huang, DPM, and their exceptional team diagnose and treat bunions to restore your foot’s structure and ease pain. Call the office to schedule an evaluation, or use the online booking feature today.

Bunion Q&A

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump on the joint near the base of your big toe. It forms when some bones in the affected joint foot move out of their normal alignment, causing the tip of your big toe to pull toward the smaller toes. This, in turn, causes the affected joint to stick out. When left untreated, it can rub against your shoes and become sore, red, and irritated.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunions may present as the following:

  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Soreness
  • Bulging bony bump
  • Stiffness
  • Corns 
  • Calluses
  • Ongoing pain
  • Pain that comes and goes
  • Reduced big toe movement

Minor bunions may not bother you, but severe bunions can be problematic, cause discomfort, and reduce your ability to exercise. Potential complications may include bursitis (inflammation), hammertoe, swelling, and pain in the ball of your foot.

What are the risk factors for bunions?

Anyone can develop bunions, but common risk factors include:

  • Genetics
  • Foot injuries
  • Foot stress
  • Birth deformities
  • Wearing tight-fitting shoes
  • Wearing high heels
  • Family history of bunions
  • Arthritis

The best ways to reduce the risk of bunions include wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly and avoiding excessive stress placed on your feet.

How does my specialist diagnose bunions?

After discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, the West Beverly Podiatry Group team diagnoses bunions. They examine your feet and take X-rays to determine how to best treat your bunion and diminish any discomfort. 

How are bunions treated?

To reduce bunion pain, your West Beverly Podiatry Group provider may recommend one or more of the following:

  • Changing your shoes
  • Custom orthotics
  • Padding
  • Taping
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Laser treatment
  • Corticosteroid Injections 
  • Anti-inflammatory medications 
  • Ice 
  • Surgery 

Surgery is often a last resort, but it’s sometimes the best way to fully restore a damaged joint and eliminate your discomfort. If conservative treatments haven’t worked, your podiatrist offers surgery to repair the joint and remove damaged tissues.

After the recovery period, you can resume your typical activities. Your specialist follows up with you to ensure phenomenal results. Don’t hesitate to call West Beverly Podiatry Group anytime with questions. 

Schedule a bunions evaluation at West Beverly Podiatry Group by calling the nearest office or requesting one online today.