Bunions: Diagnosis and Treatment

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe. Read more general information about bunions here.

If you suspect that you have a bunion, or if you have been diagnosed with one in the past, you’re probably wondering whether you should seek medical treatment.

Here are some reasons that patients see a doctor for bunion treatment:

• Pain: Seek treatment if the pain worsens and limits your activities.
• Skin issues: Some patients develop skin issues on the inside of their foot.
• Worsening deformity: Seek treatment if you can see that the ‘bump’ is getting bigger.

How is a bunion diagnosed?

Your physician will diagnose a bunion through a clinical exam and weightbearing x-ray of the foot. Southwest Orthopedic Group has in office radiographs to expedite your bunion diagnosis.

Will my bunion go away?

This is a common question from patients with bunions. Unfortunately, bunion deformities do not spontaneously correct. External devices, such as toe spacers and bunion splints, won’t correct the bunion, as a bunion is a deformity of the bones in the foot.

The good news is that external devices and properly fitted shoes can help alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with bunions.

Nonoperative treatment for bunions

Each bunion deformity is different, as some patients have a high arch or a flatfoot. Understanding your foot shape is the first step. Then, your physician can make recommendations for the following:

• New shoes. Tell your spouse that your doctor recommends shoe shopping. Properly fitted shoes with a wide and high toe box can help bunion pain.
• Inserts: Various inserts into your new shoes can redistribute the forces in the foot, alleviating pain.
• Commercially available devices: These include bunion splints, toe sleeves, and toe spacers. These products can work, but it may take some trial and error until you find the correct over-the-counter device that works for your particular foot deformity.

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) has more information about bunions at FootCareMD.

For more questions or to set up an evaluation, contact Dr. Stautberg’s office at 281-977-4870.

Author

Eugene Stautberg, MD