Bunions
-
- Tweet
Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida
Foot and Ankle Surgeon & Podiatrist located in Sebring, FL
If you find it difficult to wear shoes without pain, you may have a common podiatric condition known as a bunion. As an experienced foot and ankle specialist, Paul Ebanks, DPM, FACFAS, offers comprehensive care for painful bunions at Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida in Sebring, Florida. Dr. Ebanks creates care plans that focus on relieving your existing pain and preventing disabling deformities in the affected toe. Whether you need conservative treatments for a bunion or are a candidate for surgery, Dr. Ebanks works closely with you to protect your foot health and improve your quality of life.
Bunions Q & A
What are bunions?
Bunions are painful bumps that develop on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe. These bumps most often develop due to abnormal structural or mechanical foot issues that cause separation and overgrowth of bone in your big toe.
If a bunion goes untreated, your big toe can start to overlap the second toe. As your condition worsens, the tendons and ligaments can also shift toward your second toe, causing a noticeable deformity.
What are the symptoms of a bunion?
A bunion can cause persistent pain in the side of your foot. You may find it increasingly difficult to wear shoes, especially those that are tight-fitting.
Other common symptoms of a bunion include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Difficulties walking
In some cases, you can also develop a fluid-filled sac over the bunion, a condition known as bursitis.
Dr. Ebanks can determine if your pain is the result of a bunion through a review of your medical history and a physical exam of your foot. He can assess the severity of your condition and identify other issues, like bursitis, through on-site X-rays.
How are bunions treated?
When treating a bunion in the early stages, Dr. Ebanks focuses on changes you need to make to prevent a worsening of your condition. These adjustments include exchanging your current footwear to something that’s wider and more flexible. He can also recommend using cushioning pads and supportive orthotics to relieve pressure on the side of your foot.
To control pain and ease inflammation, Dr. Ebanks can recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.
If you already show deformities in the toe joint or your pain is controlled with conservative treatments, Dr. Ebanks may recommend surgery like a bunionectomy. This procedure involves a surgical technique known as an osteotomy, where Dr. Ebanks cuts the bone of your big toe to improve its alignment. He can also use other techniques that focus on long-term relief of your pain and mobility issues.
If you have chronic pain on the side of your foot, schedule a bunion evaluation at Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida today using the online booking feature or by calling the office.
