That bump found at the base of your big toe might be a bunion, which is a prevalent foot deformity that gradually worsens with time. At Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, Ruben Nieto, DPM, and the expert podiatry team specialized in diagnosing and treating bunions in Bakersfield and the greater California area. They provide advanced therapies and treatments to ease discomfort and avoid bunions from affecting your everyday life. To request an appointment, call Diabetic Foot and Wound Center's office or use the online booking tool. Same and next-day appointments, as well as telehealth, are also an option.
What Are Bunions?
A bunion medically referred to as a hallux valgus, is a gradual foot deformity, which affects the joint at the base of your big toe, resulting in a bump. Bunions are caused by changes in your bones' structure in the front of your feet. This misalignment of the bones causes your big toe to point inwards towards your toes instead of straight ahead. As a result, the joint of the big toes stick out, developing a tell-tale bunion bump.
What Are The Common Causes Of Bunions?
Researchers are still not yet sure what is the hidden cause of bunions. Nevertheless, they theorize that it might be an inherited condition, which affects the foot's mechanics and structure. Furthermore, researchers aren't certain that the types of shoes you wear increase the risk of developing a bunion. But all in all, if you have a bunion, or are at risk of bunions, tight and high-heeled shoes might worsen the condition.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention For Bunions?
If you notice a bump at the base of your toe or suspect that you might have a bunion, it's advisable to reach out to the expert podiatry team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center for an evaluation. It’s recommended that you schedule this evaluation if you experience the following:
• Reduced mobility in your foot or big toe.
• Difficulty finding fitting shoes because of your bunion.
• Persistent pain in your foot or big toe.
Although medical interventions aren't always necessary for the treatment of bunions, early diagnosis and treatment might help alleviate your symptoms' severity.
How To Treat Bunions?
The podiatry team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center creates personalized treatment plans for bunions depending on the severity of your symptoms, deformity, and how it impacts your life quality. In some circumstances, your podiatrist might only recommend periodic monitoring and regular X-rays. But if the bunions are causing pain, your podiatrist might recommend non-invasive interventions, including:
• Icing
• Wearing shoes with a broad toe box
• Activity modification
• Padding to prevent skin irritation
• Medication to reduce inflammation and pain
• Orthotics
• Corticosteroid injections to alleviate inflammation
In case these conservative approaches fail to reduce your pain and your condition worsens, the specialists at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center may recommend surgical intervention to correct your deformity.
That said, Diabetic Foot and Wound Center is a cutting-edge practice, offering the most comprehensive foot and wound care. If bunions affect your quality of life and you would like to correct them, contact the office through mobile to talk to a team member or use the online booking tool to request an evaluation today.
