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Bunions

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A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to lean inward towards the second toe. This misalignment leads to the development of the bunion, which can become swollen, red, and painful. While genetic factors can contribute to bunion formation, other factors such as improper footwear and structural issues may exacerbate the condition.

 

Common Signs and Symptoms:

  • Bump at the base of the big toe: The visible bony prominence is a hallmark sign of a bunion.

  • Pain and discomfort: Bunions can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling, particularly during movement or when wearing certain shoes.

  • Toe misalignment: The big toe may lean towards the second toe, causing overlapping or crowding.

  • Restricted movement: Bunions can limit the range of motion of the affected toe.

 

Professional Intervention:

  • Custom Orthotics: Tailored to your foot's specific needs, custom orthotics can address underlying issues contributing to bunion formation.

  • Bunion Aligner: These devices can be worn at night to help realign the toe and slow the progression of the bunion.

  • Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of significant pain and inflammation, corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief.

  • Surgical Options: If conservative treatments are insufficient, surgical intervention may be considered to correct the bunion deformity.

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Treatment
We will develop a treatment plan dependent on the stage of the bunion you are experiencing. If in the earlier stage, a patient would benefit from orthotics to prevent the progression of the bunion. It is also essential that the patient get into new proper footwear. All patients will be educated on the proper footwear for their feet. 

If a patient is in a later stage, our clinics will try their best to reduce the pain. This may be done by therapeutic injection, surgery, orthotics, footwear, etc. Bone surgery is available for bunions with our podiatric surgeon Allen Frankel. We offer Minimally invasive bunionectomies at our in-house surgery suite in Cambridge click here to learn more. 

Without Treatment
Without treatment, the bunion will keep progressing towards the later stage. The late stage is when the big toe (hallux) has completely dislocated/deviated and is now over or under-riding the lesser digits. It is common for the lesser toes to claw – due to the faulty biomechanics. The digital deformities will cause increased likelihood of callus and corn formation – which may eventually lead to ulceration. The patient may also find the bunion extremely painful as arthritis will start to set in.
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