What Are Signs of Bunions Development?
What are Bunions or Bunionettes?
Bunions (or bunionettes in the case of the pinky toe) are toe deformities characterized by bony growths and tendon imbalances that push the toes together. While such toe deformities have a hereditary component, they are also exacerbated by wearing tight-fitting shoes like high heels.
What are common signs that you can be developing a bunion?
Bone Deformity: A bony bump will start to appear on the outer side of the toe joint and will continue to grow and contribute to pressure pushing the toes together without the proper treatment.
Bending: Your big toe (or little toe in the case of a bunionette) will gradually bend and push into your adjacent toes eventually causing overlapping toe problems.
Skin Anomalies: Your skin will become red and irritated with blisters, corns, and calluses more likely to develop.
Nerve Compression: As the tendons that normally hold the toe in the proper position continue to be pressured and as the bone abnormality grows, you can develop nerve compression issues that can cause Morton’s neuroma and metatarsal syndrome.
Arthritis Arthritic conditions will also be exacerbated.
Common Ways that bunions are treated:
Orthotics: Orthotic braces and separators to keep toes from rubbing together.
Physical Therapy: Toe physical therapy exercises will help increase strength and flexibility of the toe joints.
Surgery: For severe large bumps and toe bending, surgery will likely be required.
If you have the signs of a potentially painful bunion developing, see our Podiatrists (Bunion Specialists) for the proper treatment to prevent future complications. Contact Valley Stream Podiatry, located 66 West Merrick Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580. With access to advanced technologies, Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Dr. Michael Barkin and Dr. Sajni Shah and their compassionate medical staff can help you manage all of your foot and ankle conditions. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today.