Bunions
Bunion Overview
A bunion is a painful bump on the side of the big toe. Bunion symptoms can make it hard to walk and impossible to wear certain shoe types. Early bunion treatment is always best—patients are encouraged to make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) foot and ankle specialist as soon as they experience bunion symptoms or notice a bunion.
Symptoms & Causes
Bunion symptoms include:
- Foot deformity
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
The exact cause of bunions is not known. Risk factors include foot injuries and family history. Some people are also born with bunions.
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options treat most bunions. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA shoulder specialist may recommend:
- Activity modification
- A hard soled shoe
- Orthotics
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
- Shoe inserts
Surgery may be recommended to treat severe bunions that do not respond to nonsurgical treatment. A CONA specialist carefully removes the bunion during a bunionectomy procedure.