Bunions

Up to 33% of Americans have bunions today — so if you have a bony bump on the outside of your big toe, you’re not alone. At Cypress Foot & Ankle Center in Cypress, Texas, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Kunal Amin, DPM, offers well-rounded bunion care, including both nonsurgical and surgical treatments. Book your appointment by clicking the online scheduler or call the office to arrange a consultation now.

What are bunions?

A bunion is a foot abnormality that causes a hard bump on your outer big toe. Bunions affect the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of your big toe.

The two bones that make up that joint can shift, moving apart to create a triangle-like shape, causing the bony bump. In many cases, the big toe pushes against or lies atop the second toe when you have a bunion.

Most bunions occur in the big toe, but you can also develop bunions, also called bunionettes or tailor’s bunions, on your outer little toe. 

What causes bunions?

Bunions develop because of abnormal force and pressure on your MTP joint, but the specific underlying cause isn’t definitively known. Inherited foot type likely plays a major role, as 70% of bunions occur in people with a family history of bunions. 

Other factors like wearing shoes that are too tight and having inflammatory or neuromuscular conditions may contribute too. 

What symptoms do bunions cause?

Bunions don’t always cause symptoms, but in most cases they lead to some kind of discomfort or inconvenience involving your big toe. Common symptoms include: 

• Pain
• Swelling 
• Redness
• Stiffness
• Difficulty moving your big toe
• Calluses on the MTP joint, between the first and second toe, or on the ball of the foot

Bunions mainly cause issues in the toe and foot, but the issues tend to worsen over time — and the problems can move upward without treatment. 

For example, you might walk differently because of bunion pain and stiffness, and this can cause unusual stress on other parts of your foot and ankle. A continued abnormal gait (the way you walk) increases your risk of injury and can also cause leg and back pain. 

How are bunions treated?

At Cypress Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Amin offers comprehensive bunion care, from prevention to surgery. He specializes in nonsurgical care, including:

• Orthotics
• Padding and taping
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Steroid injections

Nonsurgical care can control your bunion symptoms and improve your movement patterns. However, conservative care won’t reduce the size of your bunion. 

If you’re still having pain or other problems after trying conservative care, Dr. Amin may recommend a surgical procedure to remove your bunion and reposition your MTP joint. 

Do you have a bunion? Cypress Foot & Ankle Center can help. Call the office or use the scheduling link to book a consultation now.