Bunions are often looked at as just a cosmetic concern however this is not true.  They can cause pain and discomfort and lead to more foot problems in the future.  Today I will discuss bunions, what they are, their cause, symptoms and what we can do to treat them.

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony protrusion of the 1^st metatarsal.  It occurs as the 1^st metatarsal shifts out of place and the big toe begins to drift towards the second.  This begins as a small misalignment of the joint and grows larger and more malaligned as time and mileage increase. 

Causes of bunions:

There are many causes of bunions and from long term research we know the following are the most common. 

-Genetics plays a large role in the development of a bunion.  You inherit your foot structure and this can predispose you to a bunion. 

-Another source cited is footwear.  Anything that puts more forefoot pressure like a high heeled shoe can accelerate bunion formation. 

-Systemic causes can be attributed to bunions.  Conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis or other arthropathies that attack joints. 

Symptoms:

These are what usually bring patients into the office.  These are things like having a hard time fitting shoes, rubbing the big toe on the 2^nd toe.  Another common symptom is pain or swelling and redness of the big toe joint. 

Treatment:

I usually break the treatment up to conservative and surgical.  The conservative measures include, no bare feet and wearing a wider shoe.  Save your money no splints or stretching devices of the big toe work.  Remember this is a bony malalignment and you can not move bones from the outside of your foot.  Surgery is the only long term fix.  The surgical correction depends on the size, age and overall foot structure. 

If you have a bunion and would like a consultation I can help.  Please call 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online, and ask for an appointment with Dr Nelson.

Sincerely,

Brandon Nelson

Double Board Certified Physician & Surgeon

Issaquah’s Top Podiatrist & Foot/Ankle Surgeon

Bunions are a common presentation in my office.  I see at least one new bunion patient a day.  It is a common condition that can produce pain daily.  We know that many bunions are inherited and get larger with time.  They usually become painful as time goes on and the bunion spreads affecting the forefoot making activities uncomfortable. 

Bunions are a separation of the first metatarsal from the second metatarsal.  The first metatarsal begins to shift away from the other metatarsals or towards the other foot.  When this occurs the big toe then begins to deviate in a direction away from the arch or towards the second toe.  This is when things begin to change rapidly. If the first toe now slides under the second a crossover toe formation begins and the bunion changes in size rapidly.  This is when most people present to my office and need help with the pain. 

There are some conservative measures that are helpful for bunions including wider shoes and not going barefoot.  It is important to note that no conservative measures will change the size of the bunion.  I see all sorts of online appliances come into the office.  These include splints, strapping devices and other items that state they will fix a bunion.  But remember a bunion is from a bone moving out of alignment and this is impossible to correct on the outside of the foot. 

If you have bunion pain I can help, call to make an appointment with me at 425-391-8666 or fill out a form online. 

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons