If you or someone you love live with bunions, let Dr. Michael Kim at Grace Foot And Ankle Center in Rancho Cucamonga, CA create a personalized treatment plan for your needs.

Guide to Bunions and Treatment 

You’ve probably heard the term “bunions.” You might even know someone who has them. What exactly does that mean, though, and can they be treated? Dr. Kim and the team at Grace Foot And Ankle Center in Rancho Cucamonga, CA answer those questions and more below.

What Are Bunions? 

The MTP or metatarsophalangeal joint is where the foot and the big toe meet. The bones of this joint sometimes get out of alignment, causing the big toe to lean toward the other toes. When this happens, the MTP joint often rubs against the shoes, causing a bump. It leads to pain, burning, inflammation, and sometimes numbness.

What Causes Bunions? 

For many people, issues with the structure of the foot are responsible for bunions. However, there are people with the potential foot mechanics for bunions that never develop them or feel any symptoms. How you care for your feet can cause them to happen, though.

For example, if you wear high heels or shoes with a tight toe box, it is more likely that you will develop bunions. Additionally, if you spend long periods on your feet or do not wear shoes that support your foot mechanics, bunions and related symptoms will likely appear.

Treatment of Bunions 

Bunions do not occur overnight – they take time to develop. If you wait too long to seek treatment, surgery might be necessary. However, many people find relief through much more conservative measures, including those below.

• Wearing more supportive shoes
• Using ice to fight inflammation
• Changes in activities, like taking breaks when you’re forced to stand for long periods
• Custom orthotics, which are designed specifically for your foot mechanics

Our podiatrist can recommend the best course of action for the severity of your condition. If you are aware that people in your family suffer from bunions, a podiatrist can help you with a prevention plan.

Don’t let bunions keep you down. Call (909) 858-2772 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim at Grace Foot And Ankle Center in Rancho Cucamonga, CA today.