What Are Bunions?
A bunion is a common foot condition that causes a bony bump to form at the base of the big toe joint. This occurs when the bones in the front part of the foot shift out of alignment, causing the big toe to lean toward the second toe.
Over time, this misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Bunions tend to develop gradually and may worsen without proper treatment.
At St. Louis Foot & Ankle, our specialists provide comprehensive care to diagnose and treat bunions, helping patients relieve pain and restore comfortable movement.
Common Symptoms of Bunions
People with bunions may experience:
- A visible bump at the base of the big toe
- Pain or tenderness in the big toe joint
- Redness, swelling, or inflammation
- Restricted movement in the big toe
- Calluses or corns where the toes rub together
- Difficulty wearing tight or narrow shoes
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities.
What Causes Bunions?
Several factors may contribute to bunion development, including:
- Genetics or inherited foot structure
- Improper footwear, such as tight or high-heeled shoes
- Flat feet
- Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis
- Foot injuries or structural abnormalities
Because bunions often worsen over time, early evaluation and treatment can help prevent progression.
How Bunions Are Diagnosed
A podiatrist at St. Louis Foot & Ankle will perform a thorough examination of your foot and evaluate your symptoms. Diagnosis may include:
- Physical examination of the toe joint
- Evaluation of foot alignment
- X-rays to assess bone structure and joint damage
These steps help determine the severity of the bunion and guide the most effective treatment plan.
Bunion Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing pressure, and improving foot alignment.
Conservative Treatments
Many patients find relief through non-surgical options such as:
- Wearing wider, supportive footwear
- Custom orthotics to improve foot alignment
- Padding or taping to reduce pressure on the joint
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Ice therapy to reduce swelling
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, bunion surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures aim to realign the bones, correct the deformity, and relieve pain.
Our specialists will discuss the best approach based on your condition, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
When to See a Foot Specialist
You should seek professional evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent big toe pain
- Difficulty walking or wearing shoes
- Increasing size of the bunion
- Swelling or redness around the joint
Early treatment can help prevent worsening deformity and chronic discomfort.
Schedule a Consultation
If bunions are affecting your comfort or mobility, the team at St. Louis Foot & Ankle is here to help. We provide personalized treatment plans to relieve pain and help you return to normal activities.
📞 Call (314) 596-9670 today to schedule an appointment.