It’s estimated that about one in three Americans have bunions. Though common, without treatment, bunions can interfere with your ability to stand, walk, or exercise. At Total Family Foot Care, Terry Wright, DPM, and Jacquelyn Perry, DPM, provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of bunions in people of all ages. To make an appointment at the practice in Fort Worth or Arlington, Texas, call the nearest office or click the online booking feature today.
request an appointmentWhat are bunions?
A bunion is a visible, bony bump that develops on the outer edge of your foot at the base of your big toe. It occurs when the joints in your big toe become misaligned, resulting in a visible abnormality.
Anyone can experience a bunion, but they’re especially common in women and people who wear tight shoes without an adequate toe box. If you have a bunion and it interferes with your quality of life, don’t wait to make an appointment at Total Family Foot Care.
What are the symptoms of bunions?
Bunions present various symptoms, including:
- A swollen bump on the outside edge of your big toe
- Swelling, redness, and stiffness
- Corns, calluses, or blisters
- Limited movement of your big toe
As the bunion grows, you might also experience difficulty walking or doing other types of exercise.
When should I see a podiatrist about bunions?
Dr. Wright and Dr. Perry recommend visiting Total Family Foot Care if your bunion causes ongoing pain and doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, like ice or over-the-counter pain medication. It’s also a good idea to visit Total Family Foot Care if you’re unable to move your big toe or you have difficulty finding shoes that fit over your bunion.
Who is at risk of experiencing bunions?
Bunions can affect anyone, but there are several factors that may increase your risk, including:
- Wearing high heels
- Wearing shoes that press your toes against each other
- Having rheumatoid arthritis
- Having family members with bunions
Without adequate treatment, bunions increase your risk of other foot-related conditions, including bursitis and hammertoe.
How are bunions diagnosed?
At Total Family Foot Care, Dr. Wright and Dr. Perry diagnose bunions by asking about your symptoms, reviewing your health history, and physically examining your feet and toes. Most bunions are visible to the eye, but your provider might order X-rays to determine the best way to treat it.
How are bunions treated?
At Total Family Foot Care, Dr. Wright and Dr. Perry treat bunions using conservative, holistic treatments whenever possible. Depending on the size of your bunion and the severity of your symptoms, they might recommend:
- Wearing comfortable shoes with a large toe box
- Wearing over-the-counter bunion pads or cushions
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Applying ice to the bunion
- Wearing shoe inserts
If these measures don’t relieve your symptoms, Dr. Wright and Dr. Perry might recommend surgery. It’s quick, effective, and provides long-lasting relief from pain.
To explore the treatment options for bunions, make an appointment at Total Family Foot Care by calling the nearest office or clicking the online scheduling tool today.