Bunion Specialist

Foot Healers

Podiatrists located in Brentwood, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, St. Peters, & Webster, MO

A bunion is a toe deformity that usually affects the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions are distinct bumps that protrude from the foot, and they can make it hard to walk or wear most shoes. The Foot Healers podiatrists are bunion specialists who understand the deformity and the additional problems it can cause for your function and life. They’re here to help you bid goodbye to that bony bump, so call any of the five locations in Brentwood, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, St. Peters, and Shrewsbury, Missouri, or book an appointment through online scheduling now.

Bunion Q & A

What are bunions?

A bunion is an enlarged metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which is at the bottom of your big toe. When the MTP joint shifts toward your other foot, it pushes your big toe in the opposite direction, toward your lesser digits (little toes).

Often, this bony bump is quite swollen and painful. A less common type of bunion is the bunionette. It occurs on the side of your fifth (pinky) toe.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

Bunions are generally easy to see because they cause a bulge or bump on the side of your big toe. You may also have:

Red skin around the bump
Soreness or pain in your MTP joint
Big toe stiffness

You can also develop new foot problems like corns and calluses due to friction and irregular movement caused by your bunion.

What caused my bunion?

Bunions typically develop because of joint instability, which has many possible underlying causes. Among them are:

Inherited faulty foot mechanics
Abnormal gait (walking patterns)
Arthritis
Foot trauma
Neuromuscular disorders like cerebral palsy
Congenital foot deformity

Factors that often play a role but may not be the sole cause of bunions include frequent foot stress such as dancing, existing foot problems like flat feet, and wearing tight shoes like high heels.

How do podiatrists treat bunions?

The Foot Healers team offers all-encompassing bunion care. For mild-to-moderate bunions, conservative treatments are generally the preferred approach. This can include treatments like:

Taping
Padding
Anti-inflammatory medication
Physical therapy
Ultrasound therapy
Custom orthotics

Along with your treatment, you may need to change your shoes. For example, your podiatrist may recommend swapping four-inch heels for shorter ones that put less pressure on your MTP joint.

If your bunion causes serious pain, cortisone injections may help with inflammation and in turn relieve your pain.

For severe bunions that aren't correctable with nonoperative treatments, your podiatrist may recommend a surgery to remove the growth. If necessary, your podiatric surgeon can also realign your MTP joint, reposition other bones in the foot, or both.

The Foot Healers team understands that you want the bony bunion bump gone, and that’s why they offer no-hassle, no-wait podiatry care at five convenient locations. Book your appointment by calling the office nearest you or clicking on the online scheduler now.

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