Bunion

About one in three Americans have bunions –– painful bumps that grow on the outside edge of the big toe. At Mastracco Foot & Ankle in North Canton, Ohio, Dominick Mastracco, DPM, AACFAS, provides both conservative and surgical treatments for bunions. After an exam and discussing your symptoms, he can make recommendations that align with your needs. To schedule a bunion consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bump that forms on the outside edge of your big toe joint. It occurs when the bones at the front of your foot change position because of general wear-and-tear. 

Anyone can experience a bunion, but they’re most common in women and people who wear tight shoes that press the toes together.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

Symptoms of a bunion include:

• A swollen bump near the base of the big toe
• Redness or soreness around the big toe
• Difficulty wiggling or bending the big toe
• Pain that comes and goes

As the bunion grows, you might also develop corns, calluses, or blisters around your big toe joint.

When should I see a foot and ankle doctor about bunions?

Make an appointment with Dr. Mastracco if you have a swollen or irritated big toe and it doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, like icing and rest. If you have a visible bend in your joint or you have difficulty wearing shoes over the bunion, it’s also important to consult with a foot and ankle doctor.

How is a bunion diagnosed?

Dr. Mastracco diagnoses a bunion by examining your foot. He looks at your big toes and the joints at their base for bruising, redness, or swelling. Then, he gently presses on your toe to identify sensitive areas and moves it back and forth, assessing its range of motion. 

Dr. Mastracco also orders X-rays, looking at the alignment of your bones and joints. This information determines the severity of the bunion and helps guide treatment.

How are bunions treated?

At Mastracco Foot & Ankle, Dr. Mastracco offers conservative and surgical treatment options for bunions. He might recommend:

• Changing your shoes
• Over-the-counter bunion pads or cushions
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Orthotics
• Icing the bunion
• Removing damaged tissue from around the toe joint
• Realigning the bones at the front of your foot
• Fusing the bones of your affected joint together

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve your mobility. Dr. Mastracco might combine several types of treatment, depending on your health history and needs.

To learn more about bunion treatments, call Mastracco Foot & Ankle or book an appointment online today.