A bunion is a joint deformity, which can not only be visually unappealing and embarrassing, but it can also cause you pain. Fortunately, at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland, serving Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, and the neighboring communities, our podiatrists offer treatment for bunions. Let's answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this issue.

What Is a Bunion?

Simply put, a bunion is a toe deformity. It causes a bony bump on the last joint in your toe as a result of the bones being out of alignment. 

What Are the Symptom of a Bunion?

Besides redness on the lump, it could also cause swelling or soreness. Pain tends to happen intermittently. It's possible that because the joint is out of alignment, you won't be able to move your big toe as much as you once could. Friction between your big toe and the toe adjacent to it may cause calluses or corns to appear. 

Who Develops This Issue Most Often?

Some people have this toe joint deformity at birth, and some people inherit certain structural foot problems that can lead to bunions. If you place stress on the joint or sustain an injury to the joint, you could develop this problem. 

While it's not a direct cause, wearing high heels or too tight of shoes increases your chances of this toe problem. Having rheumatoid arthritis, which is known to cause deformities, can elevate your risk as well. 

How Does a Podiatrist Diagnose Bunions?

When you visit one of our locations, either our Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, practice, a podiatrist from our group will evaluate your big toe and be able to visibly see you have a joint deformity. 

Though it's not necessary to diagnose the problem, your podiatrist may order an X-ray. From this imaging, your practitioner can tell the severity of your bunion and will be able to determine the best course of action. 

How Does a Podiatrist Treat Bunions?

Initially, more conservative treatments are used to manage symptoms and prevent it from worsening. This may include recommending you use shoe inserts, change your footwear, or use ice to ease swelling and pain. 

In more serious cases, surgery may be needed to realign the joint. 

No matter which location you visit, Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, our podiatrists will find you a treatment method to ease your pain and discomfort and ensure you maintain function in that toe joint. 

• Olney, MD- (301) 924-5044
• Camp Springs MD- (301) 868-7670
• Silver Spring, MD- (301)439-0300 
• Kensington, MD- (301) 942-8110
• Laurel, MD- (301) 317-6800
• Maple Lawn, MD- (301) 317-6800