Though slow-growing and often painless in their early stages, bunions can cause a heap of discomfort and pain if left untreated. Luckily, 
if caught early, you can slow the growth of your bunion or, in later, more severe cases, remove the bunion altogether with help from your podiatrist. Find out more about bunions and their treatments with Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists with locations in Williamsburg, VA and Hampton, VA.
Do I have a bunion?
Bunions present themselves as a lump at the base of the big toe, located on the inside of the foot. The lump will probably begin painless and small and grow very slowly over time. Many people do not notice they have a bunion until the later stages when it becomes painful or irritated. Symptoms of a bunion include:
- a lump at the base of the big toe
- a big toe which grows toward the little toes, causing them to overlap
- irritation, pain, or redness at the joint of the big toe
- persistent or intermittent pain
- corns or calluses on the smaller toes where they overlap
- decreased range of motion of the big toe
Can I prevent my bunion from getting worse?
Some people are more prone to bunion development than others. For example, women are more likely to have bunions than men. Those who wear narrow, tight, or high-heeled shoes regularly are also more at-risk for bunions. Obesity, deformities of the foot, and the type of foot you inherit can also increase your risk of bunions. To prevent or slow the growth of a bunion, wear comfortable shoes with a large enough toe box to accommodate the toes and allow them to lie flat within the shoe. Avoid high-heeled or dress shoes as they place added pressure onto the ball of the foot.
Bunion Treatment in Williamsburg, VA and Hampton, VA
Bunion treatments vary depending on the stage of the bunion and the patient themselves. In a bunion’s early stages, simple lifestyle changes such as wearing different shoes can slow or prevent the growth of a bunion. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend a surgery to remove the bunion altogether.
For more information on bunions or their treatments, please contact Dr. Sara Bouraee and Dr. Mahmoud Salem at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists with locations in Williamsburg, VA and Hampton, VA. Call (757) 220-3311 to schedule your appointment at the Williamsburg location and (757) 224-7605 to schedule your appointment at the Hampton location today!