Bunions & Bunion Surgery

Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute

Podiatrists & Foot Surgeons located in Clinton Township, Chesterfield, Fort Gratiot, East China Township, Shelby Township, Rochester & Macomb, MI

If you have a bony bump at the base of your big toe that always seems to be red and inflamed, chances are, you have a bunion. Because an untreated bunion can lead to chronic foot pain, the top-rated podiatrists at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute offer plenty of effective treatments. Schedule your visit online or over the phone with your nearest office.

Bunions & Bunion Surgery Q & A

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunions form when your big toe gets pushed into your smaller toes, which usually occurs when you frequently wear snug-fitting shoes. Over time, your toe joint starts to change shape and permanently gets “stuck” in that crooked position. Aside from the obvious bony bump at the base of your big toe, you might also experience:

  • Tenderness or inflammation
  • Redness over your toe joint
  • Restricted toe joint movement
  • Calluses over the bony bump
  • Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably

Pain and stiffness associated with a bunion can become severe enough to force a change in your gait. Before your bunion progresses, it’s important to start treatment to prevent further issues.

How are bunions treated?

Most men and women who develop bunions get relief through a tailored conservative treatment plan. Depending on your specific symptoms, your bunion treatment at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute can include:

  • Custom shoe orthotics
  • Padding, taping, or splinting
  • Changes in footwear
  • Physical therapy
  • Pain medications

Usually, these conservative therapies start providing relief right away. If you have a severe bunion deformity, are experiencing difficulty walking, or if conservative solutions aren’t providing effective pain relief, bunion surgery might be the next best option.

Do I need bunion surgery?

Possibly, although generally, the team at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute only recommends bunion surgery after trying nonsurgical options first. Your dedicated podiatrist can surgically:

  • Realign your toe joint
  • Remove damaged tissues
  • Repair inflamed or torn tissues

Modern bunion surgeries are often performed using minimally invasive measures, which shortens your recovery period. If you do need bunion surgery, you can expect to return home the same day and begin walking — possibly with an assistive cane — within a few days.

No matter which type of treatment is right for you, the expert podiatry team at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute cares for you every step of the way. They have you follow up regularly to ensure your bunion treatment or surgery is effective.

Schedule your bunion evaluation at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute today. Click on the online scheduler or call your most convenient location directly.

 

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