Bunions

Up to one in three Americans have bunions — painful bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. At Babak Kosari, DPM Inc, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, provides both conservative and surgical treatment for bunions. Call the nearest office in the neighborhood of Santa Clarita, California, or the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, or book an appointment online today.

What are bunions?

A bunion is a swollen bump that forms on the outside edge of your big toe. It occurs when your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint –– the joint at the base of your big toe –– gets pushed out of position by an abnormal gait or general wear-and-tear.

The more your MTP joint changes position, the more painful the bunion becomes. Fortunately, there are various treatments that can reduce inflammation and help you feel better.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

The symptoms of bunions include:

• Pain in the big toe
• Difficulty walking
• Corns, calluses, or blisters on top of your big toe
• Hammertoes
• Numbness

As the bunion grows, you might also have difficulty bending your toe.

When should I get treated for bunions?

Make an appointment at Babak Kosari, DPM Inc if you have a bunion that’s painful or sensitive to the touch. It’s also important to seek podiatry care if it keeps you from work, exercise, or staying active in your daily life.

How are bunions diagnosed?

To diagnose a bunion, your Babak Kosari, DPM Inc provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you noticed the bunion and if the pain affects your daily activities.

Next, they examine the bunion, assessing its size and appearance. They also gently press on it to assess your response, and order a series of X-rays to examine the alignment of the bones at the front of your foot. 

How are bunions treated?

Treatment of bunions depends on the bunion’s size and the severity of your symptoms. Your Babak Kosari, DPM Inc provider might recommend:

• Bunion pads and taping
• Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Icing

If your bunion grows or it interferes with your quality of life, surgery might be necessary. During bunion surgery, your provider uses special tools to remove swollen tissue and realign the bones at the front of your foot.

Is there any way to prevent bunions?

There’s no way to prevent bunions entirely, but there are things you can do to significantly reduce your risk. The expert providers at Babak Kosari, DPM Inc, recommend wearing shoes that provide plenty of room for your toes. Wearing a night splint during sleep can also help realign the bones.

Make an appointment at Babak Kosari, DPM Inc today to receive expert treatment for bunions. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online.