Bunion Treatment in Calgary
Bunions are often described as bumps on the side of the big toe, but a bunion is more than that. The visible bump reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. With a bunion, the big toe leans toward the second toe rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment, producing the bunion's "bump." At North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic, we provide bunion treatment in Calgary. Book your appointment today.
Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which continues to become increasingly prominent. Usually, the symptoms of bunions appear at later stages, although some people never have symptoms.
What Causes a Bunion?
Inherited structural issues in the foot are the primary cause of bunions, a common foot condition.
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Bunions aren't inherited, but specific foot structures that make individuals more susceptible to developing them are passed down through genetics.
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These structural abnormalities include factors like flat feet, abnormal bone structure, or a tendency for the big toe to angle toward the other toes.
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While wearing ill-fitting shoes doesn't directly cause bunions, it can exacerbate existing structural issues and accelerate the development of symptoms.
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Symptoms of bunions can include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably, especially in the area of the bunion.
North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating bunions using various methods tailored to each patient's needs. Treatment options include traditional measures such as wearing supportive footwear, using orthotic inserts, pain injections and applying ice or medications to control pain and inflammation. Call our clinic to learn more about the treatments and diagnosis of bunions.
Symptoms
Symptoms often occur when wearing shoes that crowd the toes—shoes with a tight toe box or high heels. This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men. In addition, spending long periods on your feet can aggravate the symptoms of bunions.
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Symptoms at the site of the bunion may include:
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Pain or soreness: One of the most common symptoms of a bunion is pain or soreness at the site of the protrusion. This discomfort can range from mild to extreme pain and may worsen with activity or wearing tight shoes.
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Inflammation and redness: Bunion inflammation often accompanies pain and soreness, leading to redness and swelling around the affected joint. This inflammation can make it challenging to wear shoes comfortably and may restrict movement.
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Burning sensation: Some individuals with bunions experience a burning sensation around the bony swelling area. This sensation can be persistent or intermittent and may worsen with prolonged standing or walking.
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Numbness: In some cases, individuals may also experience numbness or tingling in the area surrounding the bunion. This numbness can result from pressure on nerves or compromised blood flow due to the bony deformity.
Other conditions that may appear with bunions include calluses on the big toe, sores between the toes, ingrown toenails, and restricted toe motion.
Non-surgical Treatment Options
For many people, conservative treatments can help manage bunion symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Non-surgical options include:
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Custom orthotics: Custom-designed shoe inserts help redistribute pressure across the foot, promoting better alignment and relieving pain.
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Supportive footwear: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and proper arch support reduces pressure on the bunion and significantly relieves discomfort.
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Physical therapy: Specific exercises strengthen and stretch the foot muscles, improving alignment and reducing discomfort caused by the bunion.
Surgical Options for Bunions
If non-surgical bunion treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be recommended, especially for severe cases. Surgery aims to correct bone misalignment and alleviate pain. There are various surgical options depending on the severity and type of bunion:
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Bunionectomy: This procedure involves removing the bony prominence and realigning the toe joint. It's typically done when there is moderate deformity and pain.
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Osteotomy: The surgeon will cut and reposition the bones in the foot to restore proper alignment and correct the angle of the big toe.
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Arthrodesis: This procedure fuses the affected bones to eliminate pain and restore function in advanced cases of arthritis or joint damage.
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Exostectomy: In some cases, only the bony bump is removed without realigning the bones. This is suitable for less severe cases.
At North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic, we provide bunion treatment in Calgary. Book your appointment today.
Preventing Bunion Development
While some structural predispositions to bunions are genetic, there are proactive measures that can help reduce the likelihood of developing them:
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Avoid tight shoes: Choose shoes with a wide toe box and adequate support.
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Maintain healthy weight: Excess weight can put increased pressure on the feet, accelerating the development of bunions.
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Foot exercises: Stretching and strengthening the feet and toes can improve flexibility and prevent misalignment.
Bunion and Your Quality of Life
Untreated bunions can significantly impact daily life. Persistent pain can make standing, walking, or engaging in physical activities difficult. Additionally, discomfort from ill-fitting shoes can limit your wardrobe choices and affect your confidence. If left unaddressed, bunions can make it increasingly difficult to perform everyday tasks.
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At North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic, we understand how bunions affect your quality of life. We aim to help you manage your symptoms, prevent further progression, and improve mobility and comfort. Whether you need non-surgical treatments or are considering surgical intervention, we are here to guide you through the process and provide personalized care. Contact us today for consultation.
Diagnosis
Bunions are readily apparent—you can see the prominence at the base of the big toe or side of the foot. However, to fully evaluate your condition, Dr. Crosby may take X-rays to determine the degree of the deformity and assess the changes that have occurred.
Because bunions are progressive, they don't go away and usually worsen over time. But not all cases are alike—some bunions progress more rapidly than others. Once the North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic team has evaluated your case, a treatment plan that suits your needs can be developed.
Have Dr. Crosby examine your bunions. Contact us today to make your appointment.
Courtesy of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.