Bunions: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options for Pain Relief

Bunion condition with 3d graphics illustration

Bunions may start as a small bump near your big toe, but over time, that little misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably. At Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland, our experienced podiatrists help patients throughout Olney, Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD find lasting relief from bunion discomfort with care that’s tailored to each person’s needs.

What Causes Bunions?

A bunion forms when the bones in the front part of your foot shift out of alignment. This causes the tip of the big toe to angle toward the smaller toes, creating a visible bump on the side of the foot.

Several factors can contribute to bunion development, including:

  • Genetics: If bunions run in your family, you may be more likely to develop them.

  • Footwear choices: Tight or narrow shoes can force toes out of position over time.

  • Foot structure: Flat feet, low arches, or joint issues may place extra stress on the toe joint.

  • Medical conditions: Certain forms of arthritis can increase the likelihood of bunion formation.

Left untreated, bunions can worsen and lead to joint stiffness, chronic pain, and secondary issues such as calluses or hammertoes.

Treatment Options for Bunion Pain

The right treatment depends on how advanced your bunion is and how much discomfort it causes. Our podiatrists may recommend:

  • Custom orthotics to relieve pressure on the affected joint.

  • Padding and taping to reduce irritation.

  • Footwear guidance to choose supportive shoes with wider toe boxes.

  • Anti-inflammatory medications for short-term pain management.

  • Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) if conservative methods no longer provide relief.

Each patient’s treatment plan is designed to restore comfort, improve mobility, and help prevent further joint damage.

Find Relief from Bunion Pain

If you’re struggling with bunion pain, the team at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland is here to help. Our offices across Olney, Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD make it easy to access compassionate, expert care close to home.

Call your nearest location today to schedule an appointment:

At Family Foot & Ankle, we help patients get back on their feet—pain-free and moving forward.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have question about anything you experienced in the office
or have an interest about podiatry in general.

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Patient Care Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Olney

Monday:

12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-12:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed

Camp Springs

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

11:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Silver Spring

Monday:

7:30 am-11:00 am

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Wednesday:

11:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-1:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

7:30 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed

Kensington

Monday:

8:00 am-12:30 pm

Tuesday:

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Thursday:

1:50 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Laurel

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Maple Lawn

Monday:

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed