Bunions are traditionally and most often located behind the big toe, but can also be found behind the 5^th toe.  Bunions are more than just a “lump” on either side of the foot; they are a structural deviation and malalignment of the toe joint that is created by a drifting of the position of the bones over a period of time.  Sometimes they can occur rather quickly, but most often they are a gradual progression that is experienced over a period of years or even decades.  There are often genetic factors that influence the formation of this condition, and many times patients that suffer from this will report that their bunions “run in the family”.   While they may not have been born with bunions, for bunion sufferers, most often they were born with a foot type that does have a predisposition for them to develop later in their lives.

It’s very common for the area where the bunion resides to become painful, inflamed, and become particularly sensitive, especially with certain types of shoe gear and increased activity levels.  There are different approaches to managing bunions, but usually the care is initially conservative, directed at accommodating the pain and deformity and limiting its progression, or if necessary, surgical intervention can be considered.  As with most treatment options, each has its own “advantages and disadvantages” to consider, and it is important to realize that the treatment should be directed to treat the patient, not the foot.  This means not all patients will respond (or tolerate) with the same treatment option, and some bunion treatments are not for everyone.

If you suffer from bunion pain and would like to discuss your options, please give us a call at (859) 746-3668 to begin the process of moving towards the next step in caring for bunion.