(410) 721-4505
2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114
Choosing the right fitting footwear is very important, as making the wrong choice could cause very painful problems for your feet. One of the effects of not doing so is the development of something called a bunion or a painful bony lump on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint. The lump, or bunion, also known as hallux valgus, puts pressure on the big toe causing it to turn inward. While not everyone gets a bunion, those who do need to see a podiatrist to have it treated.
Usually, someone suffering from a bunion will feel pain enough to know something is wrong, but other symptoms may also occur including difficulty finding correct fitting footwear, a visible lump near your big toe, corns or calluses where toes overlap and a lessened ability to move your toes. All these are signs that you may be developing a bunion.
Of course, only the most severe cases require surgery. The best person to determine how to treat your bunion is your podiatrist. Only they will know what is best for your foot.
If you believe you may have a bunion or have any other concerns with your feet, make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. He will assess your feet and find the appropriate treatments. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505, which provides services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.
While the wrong types of shoes may not directly cause bunions, they can be the reason why they become worse. Long-term use of shoes that do not have the proper foot support can lead the bunion becoming larger, stiffer, and more painful.
So what actually causes bunions?
While the exact cause is unknown, it seems that genetics, injuries to the big toe joint, and excessive pressure to the forefoot causes the big toe to begin pointing toward the other toes. The bony spur develops as a response to direct pressure, improper healing, or as a support to the big toe joint.
Then what types of shoes make bunion symptoms worse?
What is the lesson learned? If you have bunions, don’t make them worse with the wrong shoes. Try looking for footwear that is low-heeled, comfortable, roomy for your toes, supportive for your arches, and adjustable throughout the day.
Of course, those with severe bunions already should speak with our podiatrist for the best solution. You may need custom orthotic shoes to fit severely deformed feet. Surgery might even be necessary if bunions really get in the way of your life.
We can help you! Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Come to visit our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.
Got bunions? They’re not as fun as Funyuns, but they may make you tear up like onions. The bony growths that stick out from the big toe joint can cause you pain and discomfort. For some, it’s manageable, but for others, putting shoes on can be painful and some footwear can be impossible to fit into.
Where did your bunions come from?
A bunion is a deformity at the base of the big toe. The bone behind the big toe joint is unstable and it can shift up and away, causing the big toe to turn in towards the other smaller toes. The constant pressure on that joint area from wearing shoes can cause a bony growth to develop. When left unchecked, the bony growth can become so large that the foot shape changes. The top of the big toe moves from pointing forward to pointing at the other toes. Fitting into sandals or other structured shoes with smaller toe boxes will be difficult.
What other things could happen when you have bunions?
When left untreated, bunions can cause further complications for your feet. Additional foot problems can arise, leading to other areas of pain and/or discomfort for your feet. The following complications can arise if bunions become severe:
So if you have bunions, take steps to reduce worsening symptoms, for it can lead to further complications. Try some at-home treatments for your bunions and wear shoes that won’t aggravate your bunion pain. If you have a severe bunion and need help treating it, make an appointment at our Crofton, MD office to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. At Crofton Podiatry, we will use the latest treatment options to assess and take care of your foot and ankle needs. Visit our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.
Not only do bunions run in the family, they are more likely to affect women because of the types of shoes they wear. Just ask some famous women who are known for sporting the high heels: Amal Clooney, Victoria Beckham, and Jennifer Lopez. These celebrities have been spotted with the big toe joint deformity and as with everyone else, need to take care of them.
The usual treatment options for small or newly forming bunions include:
However, for some, bunions can just keep getting worse, with a bony spur developing to the point where it’s difficult to find shoes that will fit properly. The symptoms associated with the deformity can be debilitating, to the point of not being able to walk without pain. It can even lead to other problems with the feet as the deformity causes other problems like corns and calluses, and hammertoes.
When bunions get in the way of your living your life, our podiatrist may turn the conversation toward bunion surgery. Here’s what you should know:
If bunions have affected your lifestyle, and have been a persistent problem for you, consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to receive a thorough assessment to see if surgery is the answer. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie.
Have you noticed pain or a bump on the inside of the big toe joint? You may have a bunion. Also known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a bony protrusion, which makes the big toe lean toward the second toe. This can happen due to constant pressure on the big toe joint, whether it be from tight shoes, deformities, or injury. Symptoms can include: pain, redness, inflammation, callus or corn on the bump, and stiffness in the big toe. Your feet may feel more discomfort in your shoes, requiring you to buy footwear with a bigger toebox.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Leaving bunions untreated can make the growth bigger and complicate the problem. It can cause higher risk for bursitis, hammertoes, arthritis, and even cause deformity in your feet. If the issue becomes severe enough, you may even need surgery to fix the problem. For most, however, surgery is not required. Some treatment options include:
Orthotics (custom, if necessary) – Some shoe inserts can help take pressure off the bunion. There are also toe spacers that will keep the big toe straighter, and prevent from pushing into your second toe.
Got bunion pain? Come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to get assessed and properly treated. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.
2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114