Bunions

Bunions are progressive foot deformities that benefit from expert podiatry care, even in their early stages. At Maryland Podiatry Center in Ellicott City, Maryland, podiatrist John Murphy, DPM, finds that many patients suffer far too long with their bunions before seeking help. He provides personalized care, taking a conservative approach. Don’t suffer with your bunions. Call the Maryland Podiatry Center today or book an appointment online for relief from bunion deformity and pain.

What should I know about bunions?

Many people think of bunions as a bump on the foot. But bunions are more than just a bump. It’s a progressive deformity that develops from misalignment of the bones that make up the joint at the base of the big toe ― the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.

Bunions form when the bone in the big toe (phalanx) bends inward toward the second toe, and the first long bone in the foot (metatarsal) shifts toward the inside of the foot. The shifting of the bones changes the alignment of the joint, creating a bony bump.

I wear high-heel shoes. Will I get bunions?

The shoes you wear can worsen the foot deformity, but wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that cramp your toes doesn’t cause bunions. An inherited foot type that affects the structure and function of the foot makes you more prone to bunions.

If you have this inherited foot type and wear shoes that crowd your toes, the deformity and symptoms could develop sooner.

When should I see a podiatrist for bunions?

At Maryland Podiatry Center, Dr. Murphy recommends seeing a podiatrist for bunions if they run in your family or you have early symptoms of the foot deformity. Though early treatment can’t stop the bunion from forming, it could prevent unnecessary suffering.

Dr. Murphy reviews your symptoms and medical history and asks about the shoes you wear. He examines your feet and takes X-rays at the office to determine how severe your foot deformity is.

Dr. Murphy reviews the images with you and explains how your bunion formed.

What treatments are available for bunions?

At Maryland Podiatry Center, Dr. Murphy talks to you about all your bunion treatment choices and creates a plan that will give you the best outcome. Bunion treatment depends on how severe the deformity and symptoms are.

Some people might only need observation, with periodic evaluations and X-rays to monitor the joint. For bothersome bunions, Dr. Murphy first takes a conservative approach, recommending:

• Wearing shoes that provide more room for the toes
• Padding your shoes to prevent rubbing
• Modifying physical activities
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain
• Icing the bunion
• Injecting corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Using orthotic devices (custom-made shoe inserts)

If these conservative interventions fail to provide enough relief from your bunions, Dr. Murphy might recommend surgery to remove the bump and correct the joint’s alignment.

Call Maryland Podiatry Center today or use the online scheduling tool to get help for your bunions.