Bunions
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Diabetic Foot and Wound Center
Wound Care Specialists & Podiatrists located in Bakersfield, CA
That bump at the base of your big toe may be a bunion, which is a common foot deformity that progressively worsens over time. The experienced podiatry team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center in Bakersfield, California, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of bunions. They offer innovative therapies and treatments to ease discomfort and prevent your bunions from interfering with your daily life. To schedule an appointment, contact the office by phone or online today. Same-day and next-day appointments are an option, as well as telehealth.
Bunions Q & A
What are bunions?
A bunion, medically called hallux valgus, is a progressive foot deformity that affects the joint at the base of your big toe, creating a bump. Bunions develop due to changes in the framework of the bones in the front of your feet.
The misalignment of the bones causes the big toe to point inward towards your other toes instead of straight ahead. This change causes the joint of the big toe to stick out, creating the tell-tale bunion bump.
What causes bunions?
Researchers are still investigating the underlying cause of bunions but theorize it may be an inherited condition that affects the structure and mechanics of the foot.
Researchers aren’t sure if the types of shoes you wear increases your risk of developing a bunion. However, if you’re at risk of bunions or have a bunion, high-heeled or tight shoes may worsen the condition.
When should I seek medical care for bunions?
If you have a bump at the base of your toe or suspect you may have a bunion, you should contact Diabetic Foot and Wound Center to schedule an evaluation.
You should also schedule an evaluation with an expert podiatrist at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center if you have:
- Chronic pain in your big toe or foot
- Decreased movement in your big toe or foot
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit because of your bunion
Though medical intervention isn’t always needed for the treatment of bunions, early evaluation and treatment may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
How are bunions treated?
The team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center develops individualized treatment plans for bunions based on the severity of your deformity, your symptoms, and how it interferes with your quality of life.
In some cases, your podiatrist may only recommend periodic monitoring and regular X-rays. However, if your bunions are causing pain, your podiatrist may recommend non-surgical interventions, such as:
- Wearing shoes with a wide toe box
- Padding to prevent irritation of the skin
- Orthotics
- Medication to decrease pain and inflammation
- Icing
- Activity modification
- Corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation
If non-surgical treatments fail to improve your pain or your bunions worsen, your Diabetic Foot and Wound Center provider may recommend surgical intervention to fix your foot deformity.
To schedule a consultation with the experts at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center to discuss treatment options for your bunions, call the office or request an appointment online today.