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Bunions

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Bunions services offered in Henderson, NV

Las Vegas Foot and Ankle Center, which has two office locations in Henderson, Nevada, offers both conservative and surgical options for bunion treatments. To find out more about the different treatment options for bunions, schedule a consultation. Call the nearest office, or request an appointment using the online booking feature today.  

Bunions Q & A

What are bunions?

Bunions develop at the big toe’s bottom joint, causing a lump that protrudes from the side of your foot. This abnormality is a big toe joint misalignment that causes the toe to point inward toward your other toes. Less commonly, a bunionette may affect your smallest toe.

Bunions can become red and inflamed, with shiny, stretched skin. They typically get larger as time passes, and while some people don’t have problems with their bunions, most find them increasingly painful. They can rub against the inside of your shoes, causing friction and soreness. Some people have trouble walking because of their bunions.

You could also develop problems like hammertoe, where the toes bend downward like a claw, and friction could lead to calluses and corns between your toes.

What causes bunions?

You may be more prone to bunions if other close family members have them. Foot injuries and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, could also encourage bunion development.

Bunions more commonly affect women, who are likelier to wear shoes with high heels and pointed toes. This kind of footwear forces the big toes inward, increasing the risk of bunions developing.

What nonsurgical treatments are available for bunions?

Las Vegas Foot and Ankle Centers always favors using conservative options when treating foot and ankle problems like bunions.

If your bunion pain is mild or infrequent, you can relieve it by switching to shoes that give your toes plenty of space and applying ice packs to the lump. Orthotics (shoe inserts that evenly distribute your weight) can also be beneficial.

Your podiatrist may use padding to protect the toe or a splint to keep it in a better position. Medications can reduce inflammation and pain. If over-the-counter pain relievers don’t work, your podiatrist might administer cortisone injections into the big toe joint.

Would I need surgery for my bunion?

If your bunion causes frequent or severe pain that conservative treatments aren’t relieving, your podiatrist might recommend surgery.

Several surgical options are available for bunions, the most successful correcting the alignment of the big toe joint. Your podiatrist will discuss the options with you so you can make an informed decision.

To schedule your bunion consultation, call Las Vegas Foot and Ankle Centers or request an appointment online today.