Bunions are foot deformities that affect the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions can be painful, especially when wearing shoes. At Meridian Podiatry in Jacksonville, Florida, Norshae Robinson, DPM, DABPM, FACPM, and the team specialize in the treatment of bunions, offering many innovative options, including minimally invasive surgery. For relief from your bunions, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What are bunions?

A bunion is a protrusion on the inside of the foot where the bone of your big toe connects with the bone in your foot. The bulge, also known as the bunion bump, occurs from misalignment of the bones in the front part of your foot, causing your big toe to shift towards the second toe.

The shifting of the bones causes the joint at the base of your big toe to jut out, creating the protrusion or bony bump.

You may be at greater risk of developing bunions if they run in your family. This foot deformity often occurs in people with an inherited foot type that makes them more prone to the development of bunions. Wearing tight or narrow shoes may worsen the condition.

book online

When should I seek podiatry help for my bunions?

Bunions progressively worsen over time. Therefore, you should seek help from the experts at Meridian Podiatry as soon as you see the bony bump or notice a change in the alignment of your toes.

An early diagnosis and treatment of bunions may delay the progression and related pain. As your bunions worsen, the bony bump may cause foot discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. The shifting of your toes may also cause the development of painful corns and calluses.

Dr. Robinson and the team can provide care to improve foot alignment and ease symptoms.

How are bunions treated?

The Meridian Podiatry team takes an integrative approach to care, offering many treatment options for the management of bunions. During the early stages of the change in your foot alignment, the team recommends conservative treatments to ease pain, such as:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Change in footwear
  • Custom orthotics
  • Foot padding
  • Steroid injections
  • Laser pain therapy

When medical interventions no longer provide significant relief from your bunion pain, Dr. Robinson may recommend surgery to correct your foot alignment and eliminate your bunion.

She uses minimally invasive surgical tools and techniques when possible to reduce post-surgery pain and recovery time. However, full recovery from bunion surgery may take several weeks, and you need to avoid weight-bearing activities during the healing process.

For a comprehensive approach to bunions, call Meridian Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.