Many things shift with age, but your big toe shouldn’t be one of them. If your big toe is starting to form a bump or feel sore, a bunion may be the culprit. Board-certified podiatrist Scott Shields, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating bunions at Total Foot and Ankle, the only podiatry practice in Enid, Oklahoma, that performs minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Shields’ expertise and patient-centered approach ensure the personalized care you need to address bunions and their discomfort. Don’t let bunions hinder your mobility. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.

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What are bunions?

Bunions are uncomfortable, bony lumps that typically form at the base of the big toe (the metatarsophalangeal joint). They develop when your big toe shifts out of place and moves inward toward the neighboring toes.

As the big toe repositions itself, the joint turns outward and enlarges. Bunions can be painful, limit mobility, and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. The big toe is the most common spot for a bunion, but these bony growths can also affect other toes. A bunion on the pinky toe is called a  bunionette.

At Total Foot and Ankle, Dr. Shields provides conservative care for bunions. He strives to improve your foot form and function while avoiding invasive surgery.

Can I have a bunion and not know it?

Bunions grow slowly and are barely noticeable in their early stages. The earlier you treat bunions, the better the outcome, so identifying the early warning signs is essential. Symptoms of bunions typically include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the affected joint
  • Redness, inflammation, or swelling around the big toe joint
  • A small, bony bump on the side of the foot
  • Changes in the big toe’s alignment
  • Corns or calluses developing over the skin
  • Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
  • Limited range of motion in the big toe
  • Pain or discomfort when walking or standing

If you have a small bunion, Dr. Shields works with you to develop nonsurgical solutions to help relieve discomfort and improve alignment.

What makes bunions worse?

Many factors can make bunions worse and exacerbate your discomfort, including:

  • Tight or narrow-fitting shoes
  • High heels
  • Inadequate arch support in footwear
  • Overpronation or abnormal foot mechanics
  • High-impact activities
  • Injuries or trauma to the foot
  • Genetic predisposition

Not managing underlying conditions like arthritis can also increase your risk of bunions and bunionettes.

What are the most effective treatments for bunions?

Nonsurgical treatments for bunion discomfort include wearing proper footwear and custom-made orthotics to relieve pressure. If your bunion grows, Total Foot and Ankle is the only podiatry clinic in the Enid area to offer minimal incision surgery.

After a careful evaluation, Dr. Shields may recommend shaving away the bunion, cutting it to realign the toe, or using plates and screws to hold the joint in place.

Call Total Foot and Ankle today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about bunion treatment.