As with all medical conditions, the sooner you suspect a bunion and have it treated, the better off you will be. Unfortunately, bunion surgery may be necessary if there is already a painful protrusion on the side of your toe. Today, we present the top symptoms of bunions to be on the lookout for.
Joint Pain
According to Dr. Danielle Malin, joint pain, especially when walking or moving the big toe, indicates an issue. Often, a bunion is the culprit, but there are circumstances when pain in the toes may be a symptom of a different type of joint dysfunction.
Joint Swelling
A bunion can trigger joint swelling and soreness, which is often exacerbated after wearing tight-fitted shoes. This inflammation can also cause range-of-motion issues, which may be present in one or both feet. Joint swelling can make it uncomfortable to wear even your favorite shoes, although you may notice no difference in the way your shoes look or feel.
Shoes Suddenly Not Fitting
Depending on your shoe structure, your toes may no longer fit comfortably in the toe box, which is located at the point of your shoes between the big toe and the little toe. Dr. Malin explains that, sometimes, a bunion might be first noticed as the toes create friction against the toe box. Shoes may also feel tighter, especially on the inside of your foot by your big toe.
A Visible Deformity
According to Dr. Malin, a visible bump/deformity is a good sign that bunion removal or bunion surgery is in your future. By this point, bunions are much more difficult to treat, and you’ll need to call your foot specialist as soon as possible.
Dr. Malin explains that bunions are an extremely common problem, but that does not mean they are always easy to treat. Bunions are painful and can limit a person’s ability to enjoy day-to-day activities. When you come into the office complaining of potential bunion pain, Dr. Malin will start with a full exam of your feet and then take x-rays to get a better view of your bone structure. She will explain your treatment options to you and offer insight on how to avoid bunions and other foot problems in the future.
If you are interested in bunion surgery, bunion removal, or bunion treatment, visit our website today to schedule an appointment.
