It’s never a good idea to let podiatric issues go unchecked. That’s especially true when it comes to bunions. Our team at Georgia Podiatry sees many patients present with this uncomfortable deformity, so we’re all too familiar with how the condition can worsen over time, damaging joint cartilage and making problems like corns or bursitis more likely.
If you suffer from bunions, it’s important to schedule a consultation with your podiatrist. Prompt treatment from an expert foot doctor can decrease the likelihood of complications and alleviate pain.
To help you stay informed, we’ve put together a guide explaining how bunions damage your feet, what causes them, and what you can do about it.
Causes
Bunions are commonly discovered in adulthood, and according to the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society, they are ten times more likely to afflict women than men. They’re linked to a variety of triggers, such as:
- Narrow or high-heeled shoes.
- Flat feet.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Tight tendons and muscles, such as the Achilles tendon.
- Genetics.
Symptoms
After the formation of a small bump near the big toe, bunions grow progressively worse, resulting in:
- Join swelling and gait issues.
- Burning, pain, and restricted movement.
- Corns.
- Redness in the surrounding skin or thicker skin over the afflicted toe.
- Disrupted alignment of the metatarsal bone, causing your big toe to press into your second toe.
Treatment
Our expert podiatrists can determine the presence of bunions with a visual examination. Once we ask you questions about your medical history, we can recommend a variety of treatment options, including:
- Pressure-reducing shoes that fit your feet.
- Hot packs, warm socks, and massages to increase circulation.
- Splints to wear at night and reform your foot gradually.
Most podiatrists agree that surgery to address bunions should only be performed as a last resort. That’s why it’s crucial to treat them early on.
Georgia Podiatry brings compassionate care to patients in the Metro Atlanta area and North Georgia through our convenient Kennesaw and Austell locations. Before performing surgery, we always exhaust every possible avenue to correct your foot problem using conservative measures. Dr. Evan Brody, Dr. Harshil Patel, and Dr. Erin Cupolo look forward to taking care of all your family’s podiatric needs. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call 678-310-0540 today.