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(770) 834-0873 Treatment

Bunions Treatment in Carrollton, GA

A bunion is a bump that appears along the inside of the foot near the big toe. This bony protrusion is typically only an annoyance at first, but will worsen and become painful over time if not treated properly.

At Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic, our Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons provide treatment for bunions near Douglasville, Hiram, Carrollton, Bremen, and Dallas, GA. Call (770) 834-0873 to schedule your appointment today!

How Do Bunions Form?

Bunions are caused by inflammation in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which is located where the tips of your toes (the phalanx bones) meet the longer bones of the foot (the metatarsals).

Bunions specifically develop on the big toe, because it is the gradual misalignment of the big toe that causes the phalanx bones to shift inward toward the second toe. As the big toe curves inward, it puts added pressure on the MTP joint, which then begins to point outward from the metatarsals near the ball of your foot.

Typically, a bunion is the result of shoes that are too tight or too narrow, making them especially likely to occur in women, though they can affect anyone.

How Will I Know If I Have a Bunion?

The biggest sign of a bunion is its appearance. It will be hard to miss the bump that starts to stick out from the side of your foot.

Pain is another common symptom of bunions, though they are usually not painful right away. As the bunion continues to develop, the pain is likely to worsen as well. If a bunion has become especially large, walking in any capacity will be painful and also fairly difficult.

Other symptoms frequently reported by those with bunions include:

  • Redness
  • Calluses on the bunion or bottom of the foot
  • Restricted mobility of the big toe

Types of Bunions

Not every bunion is exactly alike. Two more specific kinds of bunions include:

  • An Adolescent Bunion: This is a bunion that occurs in a person of a young age. Most often, these are found in young girls between the ages of 10 and 15.
  • A Bunionette: There is often a lot of confusion between bunions and bunionettes. They are actually both the same condition, just occuring in a different spot. Bunions will appear on the inside of the big toe, whereas bunionettes will appear on the outside of the pinky toe.

How Does Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic Treat Bunions?

Once a patient has been officially diagnosed with a bunion, your specialist will determine the best course of treatment based on their individual case.

If a bunion is detected early on, patients can usually find relief by wearing better shoes or ones with more padding. Some people have also found relief by placing cushions between their toes to force them into a properly aligned position.

For those that experience lots of inflammation with their bunion, taking anti-inflammatory medications or regularly applying ice to the bunion can help immensely. If none of these first attempts to relieve your discomfort are successful, it may be time to consider bunion surgery.

Bunion surgery is best for patients with a progressed bunion that makes it extremely painful or difficult for them to walk. During this procedure, your specialist will carefully realign all of the bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in your foot so that everything gets put back into its intended position.

If you would like to learn more about bunion surgery, or other bunion treatment options, please contact Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic today to schedule an appointment by calling (770) 834-0873.