Bunions

The embarrassment and discomfort of bunions can keep you from getting out into the world and enjoying the activities you love. At The Foot Institute in Shreveport and Natchitoches, Louisiana, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Angelo Morreale, DPM, offers surgical and nonsurgical bunion correction. Learn how you can get back to football, hunting, hiking, water skiing, or whatever activities you enjoy quickly and without pain. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online.

What is a bunion?

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions develop when the MTP joint drifts out of place over time.

Your MTP joint is important for stability when you walk, so a shift can cause not only discomfort and pain but also serious changes within your foot. 

Bunions can also develop next to your little toe. These smaller bunions, also known as bunionettes or tailor's bunions, can cause discomfort and pain but are rarely as problematic as big toe bunions. 

Up to 25% of adults have bunions today. They can develop at any age, even in young and active men and women. Although bunions are painful and frustrating, they’re treatable when you see a bunion specialist like Dr. Morreale at The Foot Institute.  

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Bunion symptoms aren't limited to the bony bump. You may also have:

• Soreness or pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Inflammation and redness 
• Callus or corn atop the joint

Bunions can also affect your gait. Joint stiffness and pain can make you shift your weight, which can stress and damage other joints and tissues within your foot. 

What causes bunions?

Genetics and lifestyle factors both play a role in bunion development. Arthritis can also cause changes within your foot that could contribute to bunion growth. 

Wearing shoes that are too narrow and squeeze your forefoot tightly — high heels, for example — can significantly increase your risk for bunions. Over narrow footwear can also contribute to other foot deformities like hammertoe. 

How do you treat bunions?

At The Foot Institute, Dr. Morreale offers customized bunion solutions for each patient. Although you can't remove a bunion without surgery, there are nonsurgical interventions that may prevent bunion progression while easing swelling and your discomfort. 

Dr. Morreale may recommend nonsurgical treatments such as:

• Oral anti-inflammatory medication
• Cushions and padding
• Custom orthotics
• Change of footwear
• Ice packs 

If your bunion is growing or is already large enough to disrupt your normal lifestyle, corrective surgery can help. 

Dr. Morreale is a bunion surgery specialist who uses advanced procedures to correct your joint misalignment and other foot problems. He can remove or reduce the bony bump, reposition your MTP joint, and repair other structural issues within your foot if necessary.

Is a bunion keeping you from enjoying the great outdoors to the fullest? The Foot Institute can help. Call the office nearest you or click the online booking tool.