Treatment Options For Bunions

Struggling with bunions? Here at Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels, TX, our podiatrists, Dr. Brandon James and Dr. Sarah James, can help you care for this commonly acquired foot deformity. Read on to learn how we use individualized conservative treatments to take care of your bunion issue.


So, what is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony prominence on the inner aspect of the foot at the base of the big toe. Also called Hallux valgus, a bunion worsens if your podiatrist does not intervene.

In their New Braunfels, TX, office, Drs. Brandon and Sarah James see people of all ages who have bunions, but most are women over the age of 40. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons attributes this statistic to the high-heeled and pointed-toe shoes that many women wear.

Of course, other factors, such as excess body weight, standing on your feet for long periods of time, or having osteoarthritis all contribute to bunion formation and progression. Over time, Hallux valgus may change to include the crossing of the big toe over the second and even third toes. This impacts mobility and comfort.

Bunions also cause a limited range of motion (stiffness) in the big toe, as well as the formation of calluses and corns. Combined with increasing tenderness, these problems change your balance and how well you walk.


Diagnosing and treating bunions

It takes a trip to Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels, TX. Your podiatrist will look at your foot and the area of concern. X-rays and other kinds of imaging can then confirm the diagnosis of bunion, and allow treatment to begin.

Most patients manage their bunions with easy-to-do interventions that may include:

  • Shoe padding (such as moleskin)
  • Customized orthotics (inserts that correct gait problems)
  • Stretching
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Cortisone injections
  • Icing and rest
  • Sensible shoes with low heels, proper arch support, and ample room in the toes
  • In-office removal of calluses and corns

Another option for unresponsive cases is a bunionectomy. This surgery removes the bump on the side of the foot and re-aligns the bones, ligaments, and tendons so you walk comfortably and correctly.


Need relief? Give us a call

Call Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels today for a consultation: (830) 387-4427.

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