Bunions develop as a painful bump on the side of the big toe. This “bump” is actually the interior bones shifting in your foot as they protrude, progressively worsening over time. This ultimately causes the big toe to turn inwards into the second toe. This deformity is progressive and can worsen over the course of a patient’s lifetime if not appropriately treated and addressed.
The team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois are expertly trained to diagnose and treat any foot condition you may be experiencing. We have treatment and therapy options designed to help improve your condition, both in the early and advanced stages.
What Causes Bunions?
There are many different causes that are attributed to bunion deformity, although they are mainly the consequence of one’s faulty biomechanics and gait cycle. Ill-fitting shoes can worsen your condition, causing more pain and discomfort. Females also tend to have a proportionally higher incidence of bunion deformity in comparison to males.
Common Symptoms Of Overgrown Bunions
Symptoms can vary from patient to patient, but most often include:
- Numbness, tingling and burning on the side of the great toe
- Pain moving through range of motion of the great toe
- Pain and discomfort in certain types of shoe-gear
Non-surgical Treatment for Bunions
The first step is to take x-rays, which can be done at our office, at that point your bunions can be accurately diagnosed. There are several options for non-surgical treatment designed to alleviate pain and prevent the progression of bunions, including:
- Rest, Ice, and Elevate Your Foot –Simple but effective when it comes to treating a foot ailment.
- Wide Toe Shoes – This is meant more for accommodating the enlarged bump and alleviating discomfort.
- Medication – Anti-inflammatory medication is sometimes indicated to provide temporary relief. Speak to your physician before beginning any sort of medication on your own.
- Injection – Not typically utilized in the treatment of bunion deformities. If there is a painful bursa that forms, a corticosteroid injection can help shrink the bursa and provide temporary relief.
- Custom Orthotics – Recommended to balance the foot’s biomechanics and allow joints and osseous structures to function more appropriately. This tends to slow the progression of the bunion deformity.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is often recommended once non-surgical methods of treatment have not been successful. Bunion surgery procedures are designed to restore the alignment of the 1st metatarsal and excise the bony protrusion as required and restore the balance of soft tissue.
Our practitioners will determine the type of surgery required based on a range of factors including your age, the severity of your condition, current activity level, and lifestyle. The goal is to provide the procedure that will benefit you the most and provide the best clinical outcome.
Bunion Treatment Services Available In Algonquin, IL
As with all medical issues, the sooner you have them examined and treated, the easier the process will be! If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or think that you may have bunions forming, reach out to the professionals at Foot and Ankle Specialists Of Illinois for a consultation and we will relieve you of your foot
