Bunions, also called hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus, are bumps on the side of the big toe that distort the natural alignment of the big toe, causing it to lean towards the other toes instead of sitting straight. They are most commonly caused by inheriting improper foot structure and can be accelerated by shoes that do not properly support the foot. Bunions are progressive, meaning they will continue to get worse over time, from a slight leaning of the big toe, to changing the bones angle, and finally, to producing the recognizable bump.
Did You Know?
Bunions are one of the most common foot issues, with one-quarter to one-third of Americans being affected.
Do I have Bunions?
If you are experiencing pain, inflammation, or redness in the area of the big toe joint or have difficulty walking for long periods of time, then you might have bunions. If you think you may have bunions, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hadfield today for diagnosis and treatment.
How will Dr. Hadfield diagnose and treat Bunions?
To diagnose your bunions, Dr. Hadfield will perform a physical examination, ask about your medical history, and take x-rays to determine the severity of the problem and make the most effective treatment plan.
Depending on the severity of your bunion, there are a variety of treatment options. In some cases, it may just be necessary to keep an eye on the bunion. However, for most cases some kind of treatment is needed. Treatments for bunions include: wearing shoes with ample toe room and avoiding pointed toes or heels, padding the bunion to reduce pain, adjusting your activity level to minimize irritating the bunion, taking ibuprofen or using a steroid injection for pain, icing the area to reduce pain and inflammation, and wearing orthotics. With more severe cases, surgery may also be needed to remove the bump and correct the foot structure.
Dr. Hadfield of Hadfield Foot & Ankle has been serving McKinney and the surrounding Collin County area by providing excellent care to patients through highly skilled conservative and surgical treatments, as well as superior customer service. If you have foot or ankle concerns, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hadfield today and take your next step forward!