If you have a bunion, you might wonder what to do next. You might also be wondering why it’s there in the first place, and what happens if you leave a bunion untreated. Many patients are unsure about the right decision to make. It can be hard to know whether it’s time to see a bunion surgeon or whether you should look into treating bunions at home first.
Ultimately, every patient has a unique case, and various factors can determine whether you need bunion surgery. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand everything you can about your condition. Best Foot Doctor NY is the top podiatric practice in Brooklyn, NYC. We think patient knowledge is a key part of making effective treatment choices. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and early signs of bunions, as well as the treatment options you have available.
What Causes Bunions?
Many patients are bewildered about where their bunion came from. Since these painful bumps can develop gradually, you may not notice them initially. This can make it harder to pinpoint an exact cause.
Sometimes, it’s impossible to determine why a particular patient develops bunions. A common hereditary deformity can make someone more likely to develop bunions. Another risk factor is wearing tight shoes, like high heels or flats with pointed toes. When your shoes crowd your toes into unnatural positions, you’re more likely to develop a bunion. In addition, patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of suffering from bunions.
What Are the Early Signs of a Bunion?
If you are developing a bunion, catching it early is one of the best things you can do. Treatment can be more effective when a bunion is in its early stages, and you might be less likely to need bunion surgery. Sometimes, bunions can be addressed with lifestyle changes, like wearing comfortable shoes, when they’re diagnosed early enough. Take a look at these common early signs that a bunion is forming on your foot.
Understanding Your Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Bunions
Foot Pain Around Your Big Toe | Bunion Surgeon NYC
The first sign you might notice is a gradually worsening pain around the base of your big toe. You might not see any visible symptoms yet, but you may find that your pain gets worse when you bear weight on your feet or wear shoes. A bunion surgeon can help you determine the source of your pain.
As your condition progresses, it may become harder to walk. You might limit your activities or look for ways to avoid being on your feet. Of course, this can negatively impact your health in many ways. You’ll get less exercise, enjoy less independence, and suffer the mental health effects of being in consistent pain.
A Bump That Develops on Your Big Toe Joint
Sometimes, your pain will persist until a visible bump develops. This bump will look red and feel hard to the touch. It will be sensitive to pressure and often rubs against your shoes in uncomfortable ways.
Corns and Calluses That Form in Between Your Toes
As your bunion develops, it changes the way your toes rub against each other. You may find that corns or calluses start to develop in between your other toes – especially between your big toe and the one next to it. Along with your bunion, these small growths can make walking even more painful.
Top 10 Questions Patients Ask About Bunion Surgery
What Are the Dangers of Ignoring Bunion Pain in the Early Stages?
As your bunion begins to form, you may feel the pain is minor enough to cope. Maybe you’ve found how to treat bunion pain in a way that makes it livable – for now. However, it’s never a good idea to leave a bunion untreated. Here are a few reasons why you should never ignore the bunions on your feet, even if they’re small.
Bunions Will Continue to Progress if Left Untreated by a Bunion Surgeon
As your bunion becomes more and more painful, your entire foot will be moved out of alignment. Eventually, as you struggle to walk without pain, your entire body may be affected by your bunions. How you walk may permanently change, and you may experience pain all over your body as other bones and joints become misaligned.
Bunions Can Cause Arthritis to Form in Your Foot
As your bunion causes the joint to rub in inappropriate ways, it can start to erode gradually. Eventually, your arthritis pain may begin to move away from the affected area and impact other parts of your foot.
Bunions Can Prevent You From Being Able to Wear Shoes
As your bunion worsens, you may find wearing any shoes is painful. Even if you replace pointy-toed heels with comfortable flats, the damage is already done. If you can’t wear shoes comfortably, you’ll have trouble participating in various daily activities.
How to Treat Bunion Pain: Finding a Bunion Surgeon in Brooklyn, NYC
You could try treating bunions at home, but this isn’t always successful. If your bunion has progressed far enough, you’ll need to see a bunion surgeon to correct the problem.
If you’re ready to work with the best podiatrists in NYC, call Best Foot Doctor NY today at (718) 291 9020. Our doctors can give you expert advice on everything from treating bunions at home to planning a procedure with your bunion surgeon.