Bunions, Calluses & Corns- Oh My!

Part one: Bunions

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Welcome Fall! Happy October!

If you’ve ever had a bunion, you know that they can be some of the most painful things to deal with! A bunion usually occurs at the base of the big toe, right at the joint. This means that all of the body weight, with each and every step, is put directly on to that sore bunion!

What Caused my Bunion?

Folks with foot problems that are left un-dealt with, people with arthritis, people wearing overly tight or pointed shoes, and basically anytime the feet are in an unnatural shape, forcing the bones forward can cause the development of a bunion. People with autoimmune inflammatory conditions may also see more bunion development. In certain cases, bunions can be hereditary, meaning, if your grandparents or parents had them, you may be pre-dispositioned to get them, as well. Smaller bunions, often called “bunionettes” can form at the base of any of your little toes, as well.

What are the Symptoms of a bunion?

Some or all of these symptoms may be present:

-Corns or Calluses- these often appear where your toes overlap

-persistent or intermittent pain

-restricted movement of your big toe

-thickening of sick at the base of your big toe

-swelling, soreness, redness or heat around your big toe joint

-a bulging bump on the outside near the base of the big toe

Are there complications from bunions? When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if the pain is too great to bear. You should see your friendly Pedorthist to let them help find shoes that will not cause more pressure, pain, or worsen the area.

Complications that could arise from bunions are hammertoes, bursitis, and Metatarsalgia- which is a condition with extreme pain in the ball of your foot.

How will they treat my bunions?

There are different ways bunions can be treated. Surgically, if the condition is very bad, or conservatively, by beginning with new shoes, exercises, and routines. This part greatly depends on the person living with the bunions, their pain tolerance levels, and their doctor. In most cases, surgery should be the last option, as other complications can arise from that, as well.

What can I do NOW if I think I have a bunion?

First, ditch the high heeled, pointy, or tight fitting shoes.

Second, find a new pair of shoes with a deep toe box. Avoiding any type of heel.

Third, use an ice pack two or three times a day to reduce the inflamed area.

On Pinterest? Follow our Bunions, Calluses & Corns board!

IF you have further questions about bunions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on Facebook, or by email, which is listed on our web site.