How Do I Know If I Have a Bunion?

The easiest way to determine if you have a bunion is to look at the inside joint of your foot at your big toe. While you may already be experiencing pain, the telltale sign is a large bump that may be red or swollen and tender to the touch. You may also find it painful to walk or wear your normal shoes. Your big toe may get stiff.

How Did I Get a Bunion?

If you wear shoes that are tight or narrow in the toe or have high heels that put undue pressure on the front of your foot, you are more likely to get bunions. Anyone can develop a bunion, and they can be hereditary, but if you tend to wear high heels, tight shoes, shoes without support, or have arthritis, you may be more likely to develop bunions.

Can I Treat My Bunion at Home?

There are many home remedies that can help you relieve the pain and discomfort of a bunion, but it will not go away without medical intervention. To relieve bunion pain, stop wearing high heels and shoes with narrow toes. You can also purchase over the counter bunion pads and cushions that can protect the bunion from being bumped. Ibuprofen can be taken by most people (check with your doctor) to relieve pain and swelling, and some people find relief using ice.

Do I Need Bunion Surgery?

If your bunion continues to cause you discomfort, interferes in your ability to walk, or otherwise impedes your quality of life, you should consider having surgery. If non-surgical treatment options do not provide you with pain relief, bunion removal, also known as a bunionectomy, is available. Bunion surgery is usually only recommended when the pain has become persistent or is causing disruptions in your day-to-day activities.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a bunion, consult a podiatrist. Dr. Robert Stein is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who’s been in practice for over 25 years and strives to ensure that adults and children live without foot pain or discomfort. Call our Cedarhurst location at (516) 374-3668, (516) 775-8440 for our Franklin Square location, or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment with South Shore Foot Care today.