A progressive disorder, bunions are known for causing severe pain and discomfort that continues to worsen if you don’t get treatment. With their expertise in conservative bunion therapies, the podiatry team at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County can help you get relief. If needed, they even offer minimally invasive bunion corrective surgeries. Book your bunion evaluation at either the Watsonville or Santa Cruz, California, clinic locations. Schedule online or over the phone.
Bunion Q & A
Why do I have bunions?
Bunions are an enlargement of your big toe joint (metatarsophalangeal joint) that develop gradually over time. Normally, your big toe should stick straight out. But if it has pressure on it forcing it into your smaller toes – possibly from tight-fitting shoes – over time, it starts leaning in towards the rest of your toes, causing the bony bump deformity on the inside of your foot.
While high heels and snug shoes are often to blame for bunions, you may also be prone to developing them due to:
- A family history of bunions
- Foot injury or trauma
- Poor foot development
- Neuromuscular disorders
You’re also more likely to struggle with bunions if you have a job or participate in an activity — like ballet — that puts added stress on your toes and feet.
What are the symptoms of bunions?
Bunions aren’t always painful, although this doesn’t mean you should ignore them. The longer you go without seeing a podiatrist for bunion relief, the more likely you are to experience:
- Redness, tenderness, or swelling
- Restricted range of motion in your big toe
- Calluses or corns (or both)
- Large bony bump
- Development of hammertoes
Bunion discomfort can become so severe, it actually changes the way you walk (gait). This can lead to further discomfort throughout your feet and ankles, and beyond.
What is the treatment for bunions?
No matter how minor or how serious your bunions may be, rest assured that the top podiatry team at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County can offer an effective solution. Your customized bunion treatment plan can include:
- Padding, taping or splinting
- Custom supportive orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
If you’re not getting any better after trying conservative measures, or if your bunions are worsening, it might be time to consider surgery. Modern bunion surgery involves straightening out your toe joint and repairing any damaged tissues, leaving you with beautiful feet that won’t cause you discomfort any longer.
Plus, since most bunion surgeries performed at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County are minimally invasive, your downtime is minimal and you can usually expect to return to many of your activities within a couple weeks.
See how the team at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County can help improve your bunion pain by booking an evaluation. Either request an appointment online or call your closest office directly.
