Your Bunions: What they are and what you can do to treat them:
If you have bunions you are probably familiar with the discomfort, pain, and embarrassment experienced by so many with this condition. But what you may not be aware of is the causes or the most effective treatment options which can correct bunions and prevent some of the more serious complications bunions can lead to.
What is a bunion?
It’s an enlargement of bone and tissue on the sides and/or on top of the joint, that can occur either at the big toe or the small (fifth) toe. When present at the base of the small toe and on the outside of the foot the bunion is commonly referred to as Tailors bunion or bunionette.
Mild Bunion |
Moderate
Bunion |
Severe
Bunion |
Bunion after
correction |
A common bunion is located at the base of the big toe and often manifests itself as movement of the big toe towards the second toe with a visible bump appearing on the side of the big toe joint. With time this bump gets worse and the big toe leans more and more toward neighboring toes instead of pointing straight ahead, resulting in what medical professionals refer to as hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus.
You may think that it’s mostly women who have bunions caused by high-heeled shoes. This is a common misconception. Bunions are common in both men and women, and the tendency to develop bunions can be inherited by both. Added stress of high-heeled shoes puts additional stress on the join at the base of the big toe. Consequently women and especially ballet dancers are more prone to developing bunions and choose to have them treated.
Many bunion patients we treat choose to seek professional assistance and consult our expertise because they experience either pain or embarrassment or both. However few people choose to treat bunions
with prevention in mind.
While you may be familiar with awkwardness of wearing open-toe shoes, flip-flops, or walking bear-foot on the beach, you may not be familiar with foot problems this degenerative but treatable condition can lead to when left unattended. Arthritis of the joint, balance problems, abnormal weight distribution, chronic pain, hammertoes, and neuromas are some of the conditions that bunions can lead to. Restricted toe mobility, ingrown toenails, sores, and calluses can also occur due to misalignment of the affected toes.
If you have bunions you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Localized soft tissue and bony enlargement
- Pain and tenderness
- Local tissue inflammation around the joint
- Numbness or tingling of the toe
- Bursitis adjacent to suspected bunion
- Deformity resulting from movement of the toe towards the adjacent toe
- Redness and swelling
Because other diseases like gout and arthritis can mimic bunions, effective treatment of your bunions begins with correct diagnosis. Getting a thorough examination by an experienced professional is the first step of successful treatment and prevention. We consider many factors when we examine bunions and work with the patient to determine the best specialized treatment approach that takes into account not only the severity of bunions and unique elements contributing to the condition, but also their cause.
Covered by most insurance companies, treatment of your bunions with a corrective procedure can be an excellent option. A corrective procedure addresses esthetic issues and embarrassment associated with bunions. More importantly it can be an vital first step in prevention of more serious conditions progressive bunion deformities are known to cause. Conditions like arthritis, degeneration of the joint, neuromas, and hammertoes.
Before
Correction |
After
Correction |
While traditional corrective procedures usually require a six to eight week recuperation period, scarring, and significant discomfort, our unique minimally invasive approach makes this antiquated method of bunion correction a thing of the past.
Our patients are able to stand and walk shortly after correction. With no casts, canes, walkers or crutches, and with fast recovery and quick return to normal activity, our minimally invasive technique offers those suffering from bunions a great alternative to traditional bunion correction and a choice to stop this progressive disorder.
Not realizing that bunions worsen with time, many dismiss them as an aesthetic problem, not a potential functional challenge that can limit ones mobility and introduce considerable discomfort in the future.
Whether you participate in a competitive sport, play with your kids, or just like taking long strolls, the health of your feet is essential to sustained and pain-free mobility. Treating your bunions early with professional help is key to preventing more pronounced foot deformities and cartilage degeneration associated with bunions.
If you have bunions, or a condition that mimics bunions contact our office to schedule a free exam at your earliest convenience. We can help you develop an effective treatment plan specific to severity of your bunions, so that you stay active and pain free.
You Can Contact Us At:
Studio City
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Agoura Hills
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| 12660 Riverside Drive, Suite 305 |
29525 Canwood Street, Suite 302 |
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| Studio City, CA 91607 |
Agoura Hills, CA 91301 |
| (818) 455 - 4184 |
(818) 455 - 4185 |
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