Bunions Specialist

What are bunions?

A bunion forms when the bones at the front of your foot move out of position. Over time, that bends your big toe toward your other toes, causing the joint at the base to swell and bulge outward.

Anyone can experience a bunion, but they’re most common in middle-aged women, especially those who wear narrow or ill-fitting shoes that press the toes together.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Symptoms of bunions include:

• Difficulty wearing your regular shoes
• Corns or calluses
• Swelling, redness, and sensitivity that affects one or both big toes
• Difficulty standing or placing weight on the affected toe

You might also experience difficulty wiggling or bending your toe as the bunion grows.

When should I see a foot and ankle specialist about bunions?

Make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, if there’s a swollen bump on the outside edge of your big toe that makes walking difficult. That’s especially true if the bump is red or sensitive to touch. The sooner you receive treatment, the less likely you will experience complications like a bone spur, a hammertoe, or bursitis.

How are bunions diagnosed?

At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman diagnoses bunions during an in-office visit.

No two bunions form the same way, so Dr. Oexeman takes an individualized and patient-centric approach to treatment. First, she reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if the pain interferes with your daily routine, and if it responds to ice or anti-inflammatory medication.

Next, Dr. Oexeman has you take off your shoes and socks to examine your feet. Bunions are obvious, but she might also order a series of X-rays to better assess the alignment of the bones at the front of your foot.

How are bunions treated?

At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman treats bunions with conservative, noninvasive treatments whenever possible. Depending on the size of the bunion and the severity of your symptoms, she might recommend:

• Bunion pads
• Custom orthotics
• Wearing shoes with plenty of room for your toes
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Ice
• Physical therapy
• Injections

If your bunion doesn’t respond to these treatments, Dr. Oexeman might recommend surgery. Dr. Oexeman specializes in several types of bunion surgery, including minimally invasive bunion surgery and Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™.

To learn more about bunion treatment options, make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, by calling the office or booking online today.