Got a Painful Bump On Your Toe?
Have you noticed a prominent bump on the outside of your big toe joint that causes you pain? This could be a bunion, a common foot condition that we see here at The Foot Clinic.
As a progressive condition, if you suspect you are developing or already have a bunion, it’s important to see a podiatrist in Perth sooner rather than later in an effort to prevent it from getting worse.
What Are Bunions?
Medically known as a hallux valgus, a bunion is a painful bump on the base of the big toe joint (also known as the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint). It forms when the big toe is forced towards the other toes of the foot, causing the bone or tissue on the outside of the joint to move out of place. They develop gradually and, as such, often go unnoticed until pain occurs.
There are many potential causes of this condition, including:
- Incorrect foot posture or biomechanics
- Inflammatory joint diseases (such as arthritis)
- Health conditions (such as diabetes)
- Flat feet
- Low arches
- Foot pronation
- Injury or trauma
- Activities that place excessive stress on the feet (such as ballet)
- Footwear that is too tight or that causes the toes to be squeezed together
Weak muscles or ligaments in the leg and/or foot
If you have a family history of bunions, you are more likely to develop them. The condition itself is not hereditary, but faulty foot development is (and this makes you more predisposed to developing abnormalities).
Bunions can also occur on the outside of the little toe joint, which are known as tailor’s bunions or bunionettes.
Bunion Symptoms
While the most obvious sign of a bunion is a firm bump at the base of the big toe joint, other symptoms may include:
- Redness, swelling, stiffness, and/or pain at the joint
- Numbness, burning, and/or tingling at the bump
- Restricted and/or painful movement of the big toe
- Corns (usually where the big and second toes rub together)
- Calluses on the bottom of the foot
- Hammertoes
- Gait instability
Symptoms are often exacerbated by wearing shoes, particularly those that are tight or squeeze the toes together (such as high heels).
Bunions are classified into one of three stages based on the severity of the bump and associated symptoms, with stage one being mild, stage two moderate, and stage three severe.
Bunion Treatment Options
The prescribed treatment for your bunion will depend on its type and severity. Most podiatrists will begin with non-invasive techniques designed to get to the root cause of your condition and manage it so that it doesn’t worsen.
Treatment options they may recommend include:
- Ice (to reduce inflammation and relieve pain)
- Pain medications
- Custom orthotics
- Guards, splints, and/or toe spacers
- Foot mobilisation techniques
- A toe exercise and stretching program
- Footwear assessment and advice
- Padding and taping techniques
- Cortisone injections
- Management of corns and calluses
- Dry needling
When a bunion is classified as severe and conservative treatment options have failed, you may be referred to a podiatric surgeon. Surgical treatment would involve the removal of the bony growth, allowing for alignment issues to be corrected.
Your Bunion Questions Answered
Why Choose The Foot Clinic?
Trusted Since 1999
We have been serving patients in the Perth area for more than 25 years now, making us a trusted provider of podiatry services. Rest assured that your feet are in good hands.
Endorsed Podiatrists
Our endorsed podiatrists have undergone extensive additional training, enabling them to prescribe a select list of medications without a GP referral.
Conveniently Located
Our practice is located in the inner Perth suburb of Cottesloe, making us convenient for patients in and around the Perth area to visit. Enjoy free parking or easy access to public transport.
A Premier Provider Of Foot Care In Perth
Bunions are a common complaint, but this doesn’t mean that you need to suffer in silence. If your feet are causing you pain or you’re concerned about your bunion worsening, you should seek advice from a professional.
Here at The Foot Clinic, we have ample experience in addressing bunions and are committed to developing personalised management plans that aim to see you back on your feet as fast as possible. We work closely with skilled podiatric surgeons for optimal outcomes, so if you were to require bunion surgery, you can have peace of mind that we have you covered. Book your appointment today!