Could it be a bunion? Know the warning signs…
Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities we see; however, it’s not the only thing that can cause pain or changes to the overall structure of your feet. This is why it’s always a good idea to turn to our Olney, MD, podiatrists Dr. Michael Frank, Dr. Marc Goldberg, and Dr. Adam Lowy if you suspect that you might have a bunion. We can easily diagnose this problem through a simple physical exam. Here are some of the warning signs that you may have a bunion on your hands (or, literally, on your feet).
A Bony Protrusion that Sticks Out
One of the most obvious signs of a bunion is a hard bump at the base of the big toe. While bunions can develop on any toe joint it most often affects the joint at the base of the largest toe. Over time, you may start to notice that the big toe leans inward on the smaller toes. If you notice a bony mass that sticks out from the curve of the big toe then you might want to turn to our Olney, MD, podiatrists to find out if you have bunions.
Persistent or Recurring Foot Pain
Bunions can certainly be painful. If you notice foot pain at the base of the big toe that gets worse when wearing shoes or while in motion then you could have a bunion. Bunions can often cause throbbing or aching pain, especially after taking off shoes.
Stiffness
Bunions are progressive deformities that like arthritis can lead to not only pain but also stiffness of the big toe. While you may not experience stiffness in the very early stages, as the disease progresses you may start to notice more stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected big toe joint.
Other signs of a bunion include,
- Swelling and redness around the big toe joint
- Skin that’s red or warm to the touch
- A callus or thickened skin where the bunion is
If you think you might have a bunion, the podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland are here to help. We provide care throughout the Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, areas. To schedule an evaluation, call us at (301) 924-5044, (301) 868-7670, (301) 439-0300 or (301) 868-7670.