Bunions Causes And Treatment

Bunions can range in severity from a nagging annoyance to a very painful condition. This article will explain the anatomy of bunions and how best to care for them. Hopefully, learning more about them will give you peace of mind if you think you have this condition, as it is the unknown that causes the most anxiety. Dr. Kyle Sundblad from Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care often treats bunions in Sterling Heights, MI.

What is a bunion?

Bunions are caused by a dislocation of the big toe joint. This dislocation can lead to a bump that develops on the inner side of your foot where your big toe joins the rest of your foot. As a bunion progresses, it may cause your big toe to become misaligned and point inward, sometimes resting on top of the next toe. This is known as crossover toe.

What causes bunions?

The literature is inconclusive as to the exact cause of bunions. Excessive friction and lack of room in the toe area of shoes are two of the main causes of concern regarding the formation and worsening of a bunion. Several risk factors may lead to developing a bunion later in life, such as:

• Genes. You may be genetically predisposed to develop a bunion if you were born with flat feet, lax ligaments, or abnormal bone structure.
• Any injury to the foot, minor or major.
• Frequent and excessive stress on the feet.
• Wearing tight shoes or ill-fitting shoes. Also, wearing pointy-toed shoes and/or high heels can be a risk factor.
• Other conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis

How is a bunion diagnosed?

Generally speaking, bunions are easy to diagnose because of the physical deformity present. Your doctor may still advise you to have an X-ray or other imaging of the foot to ensure the integrity of internal structures of the feet is intact, such as fractures or soft tissue injuries.

How are bunions treated?

There are several treatments or actions you can take on your own that Dr. Sundblad may recommend for the treatment of bunions in Sterling Heights, MI. These include:

• Take notice of changes to the shape of your feet.
• Ensure that your shoes fit properly, especially in the toe area. Your shoes should be roomy in the front. Avoid high heels and pointy-toed shoes
• Shop for new shoes in the evening. The feet swell slightly in the evening hours and you may need a larger-sized shoe.
• Consider getting custom orthotics for your shoes to help distribute weight evenly across your feet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom Salts will help to relieve pain.
• Massaging and elevating your feet will aid circulation to and from your feet.

When conservative measures fail to help the pain, surgery may be necessary. 

Contact us

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sundblad from Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care to treat your bunions in Sterling Heights, MI by calling (586) 731-7873.