Menu

Call Us Today

Waldorf Office

(301)-843-9581

Clinton Office

(301)-868-3899

California Office

(301)-690-6044

Bunions: What Causes Them, Treatment & Prevention

If you are struggling with bunions, you know they can cause extensive pain and discomfort and even make it difficult to walk. The friction produced when the interior of the shoes rubs against bunions can cause them to become inflamed, which often leads to pain. Treatment is necessary to get rid of bunions. The experienced podiatrists at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle in California, Clinton, and Waldorf, MD, treat bunions using a variety of effective methods so you can get back on your feet again. 

Bunion Causes

A bunion is a bony bump along the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. Bunions often develop when the big toe slants toward the smaller toes, causing the bony end of the big toe joint to press against the side of the foot. One reason the big toe might lean toward the other toes is because the toe joint has become dislocated. Some factors that could cause the toe joint to become dislocated and ultimately lead to the development of bunions include:

  • Wearing tight or narrow fitting shoes
  • Standing for extended periods 
  • An injury to the feet or toes
  • Faulty foot structure (e.g. flat feet)
  • Neuromuscular problems 
  • Certain types of arthritis

Bunion Treatments

A bunion is a deformity of the bone and will not heal or go away on its own. The only way to correct the problem is with treatment. Left untreated, bunions can get worse. They can become more inflamed and painful. Thickening of the skin on the bottom of the foot could occur, as well. Additionally, other conditions could develop, including hammertoe, bursitis, or arthritis. 

The skilled podiatrists at our foot and ankle center in California, Clinton, and Waldorf, MD, offer bunion treatment and can develop a plan tailored to your individual needs. Bunion treatments include:

  • Wearing shoes designed to accommodate bunions without irritating them
  • Protective cushioning or padding to minimize friction between the bunions and shoes
  • A custom orthotic device to correct positioning of the foot and stabilize the toe joint
  • Foot exercises to prevent joint stiffness and improve mobility 
  • Splints worn at night to help realign the toe joint while sleeping 
  • Surgery to remove bunions or realign a dislocated toe joint
  • Removal of calluses or corns on the feet

Preventing Bunions

There are some steps you can take to prevent bunions from forming in the first place. One of the best ways to prevent this painful foot condition is wearing shoes that are the correct size and fit properly. Footwear should not be too tight, too narrow, or too small. The risk of developing bunions increases when the toes are cramped or pinched. 

Another way to help prevent bunions is by resting the feet regularly, especially if you tend to be your feet for extended periods throughout the day. Resting the feet helps alleviate some of the pressure, tension, and strain they endure daily. Finally, foot exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the feet can also prevent the development of bunions. 

You do not have to struggle with the pain and discomfort of bunions. There are treatments that can help. For the treatment of bunions in California, MD, call Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle at (301) 690-6044. We also have locations in Clinton, (301) 868-3899, and Waldorf, (301) 843-9581.

Our Locations

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule (Closed for Lunch from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm)

Clinton Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Waldorf Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

California Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed