Bunions are a common foot condition that typically results in a visible bump on the side of your toe and can cause discomfort, often serious enough to affect your everyday activities. But understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms can help you learn how to treat the bunions more effectively, learn even more by reaching out to your local foot experts at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Bunions do not always become painful or aggravate over time, but it's still important to consult with your podiatrist to make sure this doesn't change. When pain does occur, it can range anywhere from mild to severe and can include other symptoms such as swelling and tenderness around the affected area, especially when walking.

Visible symptoms include changes in your toe alignment as it gradually shifts inward toward the second toe, resulting in an even larger protrusion.

What Causes Bunions?

Genetic factors are typically to blame for the formation of bunions due to certain foot structures, which are often inherited. Genetic factors and your foot structure both put you at higher risk of developing bunions, but there are other contributing factors as well, such as footwear. Ill-fitting shoes, especially high heels and those with narrow toe boxes put excessive pressure on the foot, which can exacerbate the condition.

Finding Relief from Bunions

There are a variety of ways in which your podiatrist can help manage the discomfort caused by bunions and prevent the condition from worsening.

There are custom orthotics that can cushion your feet and provide the support they lack, suggest proper footwear to reduce pressure and pain, and prescribe medical treatments like medication and physical therapy. Surgery may be needed to treat severe cases with severe symptoms and to remove the bunion.

Bunions Treatment in Horseheads, Waverly, Elmira, NY

If you struggle with bunions and live in or near the areas of Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY, you can schedule a consultation with your local experts at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery by dialing (607) 739-8318 to reach the Horseheads, NY, office, (607) 565-8128 for Waverly, NY, and (607) 734-4582 for Elmira, NY.