A bunion is a bony, painful swelling that is often formed on the first joint of the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful due to the weight of all your body resting on it each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, can cause you extreme discomfort if you have a bunion.
Reasons that a person may develop a bunion can vary. Some patients may form bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weak foot structure. General aging can also play a role in the formation of a bunion.
If you have a bunion, you may notice a bony bump on your big toe, experience swelling and redness, and the area may feel tender to the touch. To help alleviate the pain that often comes with having a bunion, it’s suggested to maintain a healthy weight to help lessen the pressure on your toe, practice both heating and icing the affected area, wear wide-fitting shoes wear to leave plenty of space for your toes and to minimize rubbing, and look into shoe inserts that can help position your foot correctly.
Because bunions can result in other painful foot problems, such as hammertoes and bursitis, we recommend that you meet with a podiatrist for a professional diagnosis and for information regarding all your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions.
No. Many bunions are managed for years with wider footwear, padding, custom orthotics, and activity adjustments. Surgery becomes worth discussing when pain limits daily life despite conservative care, or the deformity is progressing. Our Escondido podiatrists always start with the least invasive option that works.
Yes. Dr. Tressa Jordan, DPM specializes in minimally invasive bunion correction, which uses smaller incisions and is designed for less soft-tissue disruption and a quicker return to walking than traditional open surgery. A consultation determines whether your bunion is a candidate.
It depends on the procedure. Minimally invasive corrections often allow protected walking in a surgical shoe within days, with a return to regular shoes over several weeks. Traditional corrections can take 6 to 12 weeks. We map out a realistic, personalized recovery timeline before any surgery is scheduled.
Bunion evaluation and medically necessary treatment are typically covered by most major insurance plans, including many PPO and Medicare arrangements. Our Escondido office can verify your benefits before your visit. Call (760) 546-2220.
