FAQs About Bunions

If you have a bunion, you will likely have many questions. We aim to provide answers to your questions. The questions below are most commonly asked about bunions. Dr. Joseph Disabato from Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates treats bunions frequently in Charlottesville, VA and can guide you on the best treatment options.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is the dislocation of the big toe joint that often leads to the development of a bump on the inside of your foot at the junction of the big toe and the rest of the foot.

What Is the Cause of a Bunion?

Years of abnormal stress on the foot can cause displacement of the big toe inwards. This abnormal stress usually results from poor foot mechanics or misshapen feet. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to the worsening of a bunion but are not the cause of it. In some severe cases, a condition known as crossover toe develops where the bunion has progressed so significantly that the big toe has no other option than to lay on top of the second toe.

How Is a Bunion Diagnosed?

Your podiatrist can usually easily diagnose a bunion because of the visible bump on the inside of your foot. Other symptoms can appear along with a bunion, however. Dr. Disabato may order an x-ray, MRI, or other imaging technique to rule out internal damage to surrounding structures.

What Are the Accompanying Symptoms I Can Expect With a Bunion?

 Symptoms other than a bony protrusion on the inside of your foot can be:

  • Callouses and corns
  • Pain upon straightening the toe
  • Discomfort when wearing your normal shoes 
  • Numbness in the big toe

How Is a Bunion Treated?

Bunionectomy surgery is often the recommended treatment strategy. This surgical technique removes the bunion and corrects the anatomy of the foot. A bunionectomy is almost always suggested for severe cases. However, there are conservative, non-surgical measures that you can do to manage bunions in Charlottesville, VA that may help with avoiding surgery.

What Non-surgical Options Are There for Managing a Bunion?

The steps below may stop or slow down the progression of your bunion. Below are some conservative measures for managing bunions conservatively.

  • Ensure that your shoes fit well and are roomy in the toe area. 
  • Shop for new shoes in the evening hours. This is because our feet are slightly swollen in the later hours of the day and any shoes we buy must accommodate this. 
  • Have your feet measured every time you buy new shoes as feet flatten with age, which may require buying a larger-sized shoe.
  • Maintain a healthy weight 
  • Try custom orthotics 
  • Take pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs

Contact Us

Treat your bunion in Culpeper or Charlottesville, VA with Dr. Disabato at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates. Call for more information today at (434) 977-8040 for the office in Charlottesville, VA, and (540) 825-1350 for the office in Culpeper, VA.

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VFASA CHARLOTTESVILLE

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