Bunion Treatment in Waxahachie, TX

Bunion Care from Our Waxahachie Podiatrists

Bunions can cause pain, swelling and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. As a bunion progresses, the big toe may gradually move toward the second toe while the joint at the base of the big toe becomes increasingly prominent.

At Family Foot & Ankle Centers, our Waxahachie podiatrists evaluate bunions to determine the severity of the deformity and how it is affecting your comfort and mobility. Treatment is individualized and may include nonsurgical options to reduce symptoms as well as surgical correction when appropriate.

What Is A Bunion?

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a progressive deformity that develops at the joint at the base of the big toe. As the big toe gradually shifts toward the second toe, the bone on the inside of the foot becomes more prominent, creating the characteristic bunion “bump.”

Bunions can cause pain, redness and swelling around the big toe joint, particularly when wearing shoes that place pressure on the area. As the deformity progresses, the big toe may crowd or overlap the second toe, and movement of the joint may become painful or restricted.

Not every bunion causes symptoms. Treatment is generally based on the severity of the deformity, the amount of pain it causes and how much it interferes with footwear, walking and daily activities.

What Causes a Bunion?

Bunions usually develop gradually and are often related to the inherited structure and mechanics of the foot. Certain foot shapes can place increased stress on the big toe joint, allowing the toe to slowly shift out of its normal position over time.

Shoes do not necessarily cause bunions, but footwear that is narrow, tight or places pressure on the toes can aggravate an existing bunion and make symptoms worse. High-heeled shoes may also increase pressure on the front of the foot.

Other factors, including certain types of arthritis and previous foot injuries, may contribute to the development or progression of a bunion in some patients. There is also a genetic component to bunions and some people. They have a tendency to run in families and can be inherited from birth and  worsen with time. 

How Are They Treated?

Treatment for a bunion depends on the severity of the deformity, your symptoms and how much the bunion interferes with footwear, walking and daily activities. Nonsurgical treatment can often help reduce pain and irritation, although it does not permanently correct the underlying bone deformity.

Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment

• Supportive footwear – Shoes with a wide toe box can reduce pressure on the bunion and provide more room for the toes.
• Padding – Bunion pads may help protect the prominent joint from rubbing and irritation inside shoes.
• Custom orthotics – Prescription orthotics may improve foot mechanics and redistribute pressure, helping reduce symptoms in some patients.
• Activity modification – Temporarily modifying activities that aggravate the bunion may help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory measures – Ice or anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended when appropriate to help manage pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections – In selected cases, an injection may be considered to reduce inflammation and provide temporary symptom relief when inflammation around the joint is contributing to pain.

Do Bunions Need to Be Surgically Fixed?

Not every bunion requires surgery. If a bunion is not painful or interfering with walking, footwear or daily activities, surgical treatment may not be necessary. For painful bunions, nonsurgical treatments are often used first to reduce pressure, irritation and discomfort.

Bunion surgery may be considered when pain persists despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment or when the deformity significantly interferes with walking, footwear or daily activities. The type of surgery recommended depends on the severity of the bunion, the structure of the foot and other individual factors. Bunion surgery has made great strides over the past decade. If you have attempted conservative treatment and still have pain, or if your bunion is worsening or becoming more painful, then surgery may be considered. 

Your podiatrist can evaluate the bunion and discuss whether continued nonsurgical treatment or surgical correction is appropriate for you. Every bunion needs a custom treatment plan.

Bunion Care at Our Other Locations

Family Foot & Ankle Centers also provides bunion evaluation and treatment at our Corsicana and Ennis offices. Learn more about bunion treatment in Corsicana or bunion treatment in Ennis, or visit our main bunion treatment page for additional information about bunions and treatment options.

• bunion treatment in Corsicana → Corsicana bunion page
• bunion treatment in Ennis → Ennis bunion page
• bunion treatment → Main bunion page

Schedule a Bunion Appointment in Waxahachie, TX

If bunion pain is making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably, walk or participate in your usual activities, schedule an appointment with our Waxahachie podiatry team. Our podiatrists can evaluate your bunion and discuss nonsurgical and surgical treatment options based on your individual condition.

Call 972-597-4132 or use our convenient online appointment request form to schedule an evaluation at our Waxahachie office.