Bunions in Parker, Colorado
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Contact UsWhat Are Bunions?
Bunions form at the base of the big toe, causing lumpy deformities that can make even a single step painful. People with bunions face significant difficulties in finding shoes that fit comfortably, and over time, they can develop very painful arthritis in the joint. Podiatrists Kevin Blue, DPM, FACFAS, Ryan Muchowski, DPM, and their expert team help patients at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, Colorado, relieve bunion pain and restore normal joint shape and function, using both conservative and surgical bunion treatment options. They tailor care to meet each patient’s unique needs to ensure optimal outcomes.
What Are the Causes of Bunions?
Bunions are often associated with wearing tight or narrow shoes that squeeze the toes together. This pressure and friction on the big toe joint can cause it to become misaligned, leading to the characteristic bony bump on the side of the foot. While shoe wear is a common culprit, bunions can also have a genetic component. Foot structure abnormalities may predispose individuals to develop bunions, as can certain activities or occupations that involve prolonged standing or repetitive stress on the feet. Understanding these factors can help individuals in Parker, CO take preventive measures to avoid bunions or seek appropriate treatment if they develop.
What Are the Symptoms of Bunions?
Common symptoms of bunions include pain, swelling, and redness around the affected joint. Individuals with bunions often experience difficulty fitting into regular shoes due to the widening of the foot and may develop corns or calluses on the affected toe. As the condition progresses, the big toe may tilt toward the smaller toes, leading to changes in foot alignment and causing additional discomfort. Bunions can also result in restricted joint movement and contribute to overall foot pain, impacting daily activities. Seeking timely evaluation by a member of our team in Parker, CO is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing the progression of bunions.
What Are the Risk Factors of Bunions?
Some risk factors for bunions include inherited foot type, foot injuries, and deformities present at birth. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and neuromuscular conditions can increase the risk as well. Additionally, wearing poorly fitting shoes, especially those with a narrow toe box or high heels, can contribute to the development of bunions by forcing the toes into an unnatural position. Activities that place excessive stress on the feet, like certain sports, can also increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
How Are Bunions Treated?
When you first arrive at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, you will meet with your provider for a thorough evaluation to confirm your diagnosis and evaluate your bunion. An x-ray may be ordered to give your provider a comprehensive view of your condition. Depending on the severity of your bunion, you may be issued a range of treatment options. If the bunion is mild, stretching exercises and splints, which are worn at night, can often help to move the joint back into place. Other conservative options that may be used include custom orthotics and medications to minimize inflammation and pain. If these methods are ineffective, you may require surgery to realign your big toe joint, which will be held into place with tiny pins or screws. Regardless of which treatment option is chosen, wearing shoes that give adequate room for your toes is always recommended to help relieve the pressure placed on your joint.
What Can I Expect After Bunion Treatment?
After bunion treatment, patients can typically expect a period of rest and limited mobility to ensure proper healing. Depending on the treatment, it's common to experience some swelling and discomfort initially, which can be managed with medication and special footwear. Over time, with physical therapy and careful follow-up, most people find significant relief from pain and improved foot function.
Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine Reviews
Dr. Muchowski was very gentle with my feet, made me feel very comfortable and did an excellent procedure with smoothing my bunions and a sore on the toe. Your office staff was very pleasant and had a happy attitude as you were checking in for the appointment.
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If you have been experiencing pain when you walk or are having difficulty with bony lumps in your large toe joint, bunions could be the culprit. Dr. Kevin Blue, Dr. Ryan Muchowski, and Dr. William Farrett offer solutions that could help get you back on your feet and walking with ease. Please contact Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, Colorado today to book your appointment to get relief for your pain.
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About UsBunions FAQs
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony lump or projection that forms at the base of your big toe joint, typically as a result of the upper portion of your toe being pressed inward toward the neighboring toes. As the top of your toe is pushed inward, the joint is gradually displaced, becoming:
• Inflamed
• Swollen
• Painful
Without treatment, the deformity eventually can become permanent, making it very difficult to find shoes that fit comfortably. Continued inflammation in the joint can lead to arthritis and persistent pain, especially when walking and wearing shoes. In people with severe bunions, the big toe joint can become so deformed that the toe itself will be pushed over top of the neighboring toes or it may become twisted.
What causes bunions?
Bunions often occur in people with specific foot shapes or congenital deformities, or in those who have certain types of gaits. They’re also more common among people with polio and some other diseases, and traumatic injury can also play a role in bunion formation.
Wearing shoes that are very pointy or tight in the toe area can contribute to the development of bunions, especially if you have risk factors for bunions. Likewise, wearing high heels on a regular basis forces your toes down into the restricted toe space, causing your toe joint to move out of position over time.
What methods are used for bunion treatment?
Your physician will begin your bunion treatment by carefully evaluating your foot and toe joint to confirm the diagnosis of a bunion and examine the extent of the damage and deformity. In some cases, they may order an X-ray to obtain more detailed information that can help guide them in treating your bunion.
When a bunion is relatively mild and the joint is still flexible, stretching exercises and use of special nighttime splints may help by gently coaxing the toe joint back into its proper position. Medications can also help decrease pain and inflammation in the joint and soft padding can reduce friction and soreness in the skin overlying the joint. Many patients find custom orthotics -- special custom-made shoe inserts -- can be very helpful in relieving pressure on the joint and in helping to realign the joint over time.
Switching to shoes that offer more room in the toe is also essential. When these conservative approaches for bunion treatment aren’t effective in providing long-term relief of symptoms, your provider may recommend bunion surgery to realign your big toe joint and hold it in position using tiny screws or pins.