Is there knob on the side of your big toe? Is it hard and bony? If that's the case, you may have a bunion. The doctors of Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay in Zephyrhills, Sun City Center, Wesley Chapel and Riverview, FL, can help.
Bunions
Bunions are when the joint of your big toe becomes larger. Bunions, also called Hallux Valgus, are protrusions that can be very painful, especially while you're doing any activity as simple as walking. For more information, you can follow this link: Bunions
Causes

Bunions can affect your walking because of friction and pressure that makes it painful to walk. Other issues may contribute to bunion formation, such as:

• Flat feet
• Occupational foot stress
• Genetics and foot type
• Foot trauma, or injury
• Foot injuries
• Tight, narrow shoes and high heels

The problem with bunions is that they can cause other toe deformities, like:

• Arthritis
• Corns
• Hammertoes
• Bursitis
• Calluses
• Hallus Abducto Valgus (When the bunion rotates towards the second toe)

Treatment

Before resorting to surgery, there are conservative methods to help treat bunions, such as:

• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
• Taping foot to support bunion and cushioning it
• Wearing shoe inserts, or padding to cushion bunion and reduce friction
• Changing to wide, supportive shoes, or sandals, instead of tight, narrow shoes

Your Zephyrhills, Sun City Center, Wesley Chapel and Riverview doctor may recommend an orthotic device designed to keep your toe in the proper position. If your doctor need to take a more invasive approach, they may do the following:

• Straightening your foot and big toe
• Fuse your big toe joints together
• Remove some bone in big toe
• Remove swollen tissue around toe joint

Consultation

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, just call your Zephyrhills, Sun City Center, Wesley Chapel and Riverview, FL, podiatrist.