What Is a Bunion? Causes, Symptoms, and When To See a Foot Specialist

If you’ve noticed a painful bump developing at the base of your big toe, could it be a bunion? This common foot condition affects more people than you may realize and can impact your daily comfort and mobility. What causes it, and when does it need medical intervention?

In this guide, Metro Healthcare Partners’ bunion specialists cover the causes, potential diagnosis, and when to seek bunion treatment in Brooklyn, NC.

What Is a Bunion and Why Does It Occur?

What is a bunion? Medically known as Hallux valgus, this bony prominence usually forms at the base of your big toe joint. A deformity occurs once your big toe shifts toward your other toes, causing the joint to protrude outward.

The bunion’s resulting bump can become inflamed and painful, which makes wearing shoes uncomfortable for a lot of people. According to the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, experts estimate the prevalence of bunions at 23% among adults aged 18 to 65, thanks to the following common causes:

• Genetic factors: Family history plays a significant role in susceptibility to bunions.
• Foot structure: People with flat feet or low arches experience greater stress on their toe joints.
• Improper footwear: Narrow toe boxes and high heels can force your toes into unnatural positions and strain the joints.
• Repetitive stress: Certain occupations or activities strain the feet continuously.

Arthritis also contributes to this type of joint misalignment.

Recognizing Common Bunion Symptoms

According to UT Southwestern Medical Center’s research, bunions affect up to one-third of American adults. Knowing what a bunion is can help you spot it and seek treatment. The most obvious signs are the visible bump on the inside edge of your foot by your big toe and the following:

• Pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes or after an activity
• Inflammation manifesting as redness and swelling around the affected joint
• Restricted movement from decreased mobility in your big toe
• Corns, calluses, or hammertoes developing as secondary issues
• Alignment changes, such as your big toe shifting

Bunion specialists like Metro Healthcare Partners can recommend appropriate interventions.

When To Seek Professional Bunion Treatment

Bunions are fairly prevalent globally. That’s why MarketsandMarkets projected that the global bunion surgery market, valued at US$437.8 million by 2023, would reach US$606.1 million by 2029. Key drivers in this prediction included the aging population prone to orthopedic issues, people’s increased adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the growing number of rheumatoid arthritis cases.

If you fall into one of these categories, you shouldn’t hesitate to consult a foot doctor in Brooklyn. Is your bunion causing persistent pain that interferes with your daily activities? When your over-the-counter pain relievers no longer provide relief, the situation warrants professional evaluation to improve your quality of life.

For many patients, even conservative approaches provide significant foot pain relief, including properly fitted shoes, protective padding, or custom orthotics to improve foot alignment. Bunion surgery is the last resort but is highly effective when you need to realign the bone, ligaments, and tendons to correct the deformity. Why not contact our podiatrist in Brooklyn to learn about your options?

Metro Healthcare Partners: Your Trusted Foot Doctor in Brooklyn

At Metro Healthcare Partners, we know how much ongoing bunion pain affects your quality of life. You’ll appreciate our advanced diagnostic technology and proven treatments for bunions and other foot conditions. We use traditional and minimally invasive techniques for treating workplace foot ankle injuries and more, so if you’re experiencing bunion pain or foot alignment issues, give us a call.

Contact Metro Healthcare Partners at (718) 550-2056 to schedule a consultation with our bunion specialists in Brooklyn, New York. Not only do our doctors accept no-fault and workers’ compensation, but they also accept most commercial and private insurance plans, including Medicare and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about bunions and their treatment.

What Causes Bunions To Form?

Bunions form due to a combination of genetic factors, foot mechanics, and external pressures. While heredity plays a role in your foot structure, wearing tight shoes can accelerate bunion development by forcing your toes into unnatural positions.

How Can I Prevent Bunions From Getting Worse?

You can prevent bunions from getting worse by choosing footwear with wide toe boxes and good arch support to minimize pressure on your toe joints. Using protective padding and maintaining a healthy weight also reduces stress on your feet.

Is Surgery the Only Effective Treatment for Bunions?

No, surgery with bunion specialists is only one effective treatment. Many people find relief through proper footwear, custom orthotics, and physical therapy, too.