Suspecting you have a bunion will likely generate a few questions. We want to answer your questions. Bunions are a common condition treated here at Lake Ridge Podiatry often and successfully. Below are frequently asked questions that Dr. Ranieri receives in Woodbridge, VA regarding bunions.

What Is a Bunion and What Causes It?

Bunions are caused by a dislocation of the big toe joint. The unnatural angle of the big toe after this dislocation leads to the appearance of a bony protrusion on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe where it meets the rest of the foot. With a bunion, shoes will no longer fit well and excess friction will affect this area. Severely progressed cases may result in the big toe being displaced so greatly that it lays on top of the second toe, known as crossover toe.

Wearing ill-fitting shoes does not cause bunions to develop initially, as is commonly thought. Initially, developing a bunion is caused by poor foot mechanics or deformed and misshapen feet. However, wearing shoes that don't fit well aids in progressing the condition. Which leads to the bunion's worsening due to excessive friction and pressure on the bunion.

The development of a bunion is an inherited trait. Researchers do not know why one person will develop a bunion and another will not.

What Are the Symptoms?

Additional symptoms may appear along with a bunion due to an overdose of friction on the big toe area and physical change in your feet. These may be:

• Corns and callouses
• Pain when straightening the toe
• Inability to wear regular shoes
• Numbness in the big toe

How Is a Bunion Treated?

Most of the time, you will need minor surgery in Woodbridge, VA to remove bunions and correct the anatomy of the foot. This procedure is called a bunionectomy.

Surgical intervention is required for the majority of cases of bunions. However, some conservative, non-surgical steps may slow down or halt the progression of a bunion.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Manage My Bunion Without Surgery?

Recommendations from Dr. Ranieri for slowing down the progression of a bunion are:

• Wearing shoes that are roomy in the toe area. 
• Shopping for new shoes in the evening hours as your feet swell slightly later in the day.
• Have your feet measured every time you go shoe shopping. The arches of our feet fall and flatten with age, which may require buying a larger size of shoe.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Custom orthotics.
• Prescription and OTC anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication

Contact Us

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ranieri at Lake Ridge Podiatry to answer any additional questions you have about bunions in Woodbridge, VA. You can reach us by calling (703) 491-2603.