Treating Your Bunions

Bunions form when some of the bones in your feet become misaligned. As your big toe moves closer to the rest of your toes, the bones near its base may move in the opposite direction.

Excessive pressure on your big toe is often the cause of bunion formation. The way you walk or stand can put too much pressure on your big toe and cause it to move towards your smaller toes. You may also develop bunions because your job involves a lot of standing or walking.

Other factors that can contribute to your bunions include your choice of footwear and medical background. Wearing shoes too small for your feet can squeeze your big toes. Your chances of developing bunions are also greater if you have arthritis. If your family has a history of bunions, you are likely to develop that condition as well.

Unfortunately, bunions can do more than change the appearance of your feet. These bony bumps are also known to cause significant pain. The swelling around your big toe can also restrict your movement. Your big toe growing numb is also a possibility if you have a bunion.

Dr. Brown, Dr. Beneson, and Dr. Constantino of Michigan Feet offer treatment options for bunions in Center Line and Royal Oak, and serving Warren, MI.

How Are Bunions Treated?

 Non-surgical options are almost always used first for treating bunions. These options may include icing and medication. The icing is helpful because it can reduce the swelling and mobilize your big toe. Meanwhile, taking medication can alleviate the pain caused by the bunions.

Icing and medication can only address your symptoms. To address the underlying cause of your bunions, you will likely have to change your shoes or use shoe inserts. Wearing wider shoes or using inserts can ease the pressure on your big toe and correct that issue.

Surgery only becomes an option if those other treatments don’t work and you are still in pain. During surgery, your doctor can change the alignment of your big toe to restore its appearance. They may also remove the swollen tissue near that joint to improve your mobility.

Dr. Brown, Dr. Beneson, and Dr. Constantino of Michigan Feet provide treatments for bunions in Center Line and Royal Oak, and serving Warren, MI. Call 586-758-5770 for their Center Line office or 248-435-4777 for their Royal Oak location.