Bunion Treatment in Calgary
Bunions are often described as a bump 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.
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.