A bunion (medically known as hallux valgus) is a bony bump that develops at the base of your big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. Over time, the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, forcing the joint at the base of the toe outward.
Bunions can cause pain, inflammation, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. While they often develop slowly, without proper treatment, they can lead to joint stiffness, arthritis, and chronic discomfort.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for bunions—ranging from conservative relief to advanced surgical correction—helping patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas restore comfort, alignment, and mobility.
The first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, located at the base of the big toe, normally helps bear body weight and maintain balance during walking. When the bones of the forefoot become misaligned, the big toe leans inward toward the others, causing the joint to protrude outward.
This misalignment results in abnormal pressure and friction on the joint, often leading to:
- Joint swelling and inflammation
- Thickened skin or callus formation over the bump
- Pain with movement or shoe pressure
Although bunions are commonly thought to be caused by wearing tight shoes, footwear only exacerbates an existing structural imbalance rather than causing it outright.
Causes:
- Inherited foot structure: Flat feet, low arches, or abnormal bone shape.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Improper footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that crowd the toes.
- Biomechanical stress: Repetitive pressure on the big toe joint from certain walking patterns.
- Injury: Trauma to the big toe joint.
Risk Factors:
- Family history of bunions.
- Occupations that involve long hours on your feet.
- Women (due to footwear styles and ligament laxity).
- Aging and loss of joint flexibility.
Bunions often progress slowly, with symptoms worsening over time as the joint deformity increases.
Common signs include:
- Pain and tenderness at the base of the big toe.
- Swelling, redness, or thickened skin over the joint.
- Visible bump or protrusion on the side of the foot.
- Stiffness or restricted movement in the big toe.
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes or walking long distances.
- Calluses where the big toe overlaps the second toe.
Left untreated, bunions can alter the way you walk and cause secondary problems like corns, hammertoes, or bursitis.
Imaging:
- X-rays: Measure joint angles, bone alignment, and signs of arthritis.
- Weight-bearing views: Determine how the bunion affects walking mechanics.
This comprehensive approach ensures the right treatment plan—whether conservative or surgical—is developed for your specific needs.
Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity and how much pain or functional limitation it causes. Most mild to moderate bunions can be managed without surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Footwear modification: Switching to wide-toe box shoes or soft leather footwear.
- Padding and taping: Protects the joint from friction and helps maintain proper toe position.
- Custom orthotics: Redistribute pressure and correct biomechanical alignment.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Reduces pain and swelling.
- Ice therapy: Applied after activity to decrease inflammation.
- Improves flexibility and strengthens supporting muscles.
- Includes stretching and joint mobilization to reduce stiffness.
- Addresses gait or posture issues that contribute to bunion pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections can reduce inflammation in arthritic or irritated joints and may support soft tissue healing.
With these measures, many patients achieve meaningful pain relief and slow the bunion’s progression.
Surgical Treatments
If pain persists or the bunion severely affects daily activities, Dr. Burke may recommend surgery to correct the bone alignment.
Surgical options:
Bunionectomy (Osteotomy):
- Realigns the bones and removes excess bone growth.
- May involve small incisions and internal fixation with screws or pins.
Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis):
- Used in severe arthritis or deformity cases to eliminate pain by stabilizing the joint.
- Involves advanced realignment for complex deformities or revision cases.
Modern techniques allow for minimally invasive correction with faster recovery and reduced scarring.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Non-surgical: Improvement in pain and function within 2–6 weeks.
- Surgical: 6–12 weeks of healing, followed by progressive physical therapy.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Restore joint motion and balance.
- Strengthen intrinsic foot muscles.
- Gradually return to normal weight-bearing.
- Prevent recurrence through footwear education and arch support.
Custom orthotics and supportive shoes are key for long-term stability.
With proper treatment and footwear, most patients experience lasting relief and improved alignment. Preventive care reduces the risk of recurrence or worsening deformity.
Prevention tips:
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support.
- Avoid prolonged use of tight or high-heeled shoes.
- Maintain healthy body weight to reduce pressure on the forefoot.
- Stretch and strengthen foot muscles regularly.
- Address flatfoot or other mechanical issues early.
Early orthopedic care can prevent a mild bunion from becoming a surgical problem.
Contact Dr. Burke Orthopedics if you experience:
- Persistent pain or swelling at the base of your big toe.
- Increasing difficulty fitting into shoes.
- Redness or tenderness that worsens over time.
- Toe stiffness or limited range of motion.
Prompt evaluation helps relieve pain and prevents long-term joint damage.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If a bunion is causing discomfort or affecting your ability to walk comfortably, Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers personalized care plans to relieve pain and restore healthy foot function.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, providing complete orthopedic diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation under one roof.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle alignment.
