3 Signs Your Bunions Are Causing Your Foot Pain

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Bunions are more than an annoyance for many people. Of course, the question of how bunion pain manifests is not always straightforward. People may assume that their bunions are the issue when the problem lies in a different part of the foot. Below, we’ll look at three signs of bunion pain and why it helps to consult with the right professional about the next steps to take.

3 Signs of Bunion Pain

Bunion pain typically manifests in the following ways:

  • Pain: Pain from bunions in Austin, TX often manifests in either the ball of the foot or in the big toe. Most patients describe it as burning, shooting, or throbbing, and you’ll likely feel it more when you wear shoes or bend your toe.
  • Swelling: Your big toe may swell and turn red. So even if it doesn’t hurt, it’s important to watch for any signs of irritation. If you’re having difficulty moving your big toe due to swelling, it’s likely due to your bunions.
  • Numbness: If your big toe is numb or tingling, it may be due to your bunions. You may feel this sensation more at night after you’ve been on your feet all day.

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions are thought to be a combination of shoe choice, walking posture, and the shape of your foot. The pressure of all the movement eventually causes the big toe to pop out of alignment. Every bunion puts pressure on the joint, though again, that doesn’t mean that the pressure will manifest in pain.

A Few More Bunion Facts

A bunion is one of the most common causes of foot pain, but not all are painful. Plus, the level of pain can range from barely there to nearly debilitating. If you’ve noticed that switching out your footwear to more comfortable shoes doesn’t solve the problem, it’s probably time to see a podiatrist in Austin, TX.

If you’re looking for a pro who can help you sort out the cause of your symptoms and give you a solution, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, With locations in Austin and Pfluggerville, our team can help you get a handle on the problem.

How Are Bunions Formed?

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HBunions are uncomfortable bumps that most often form on the sides of the feet near the base of the big toe, on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. They typically grow larger over time, so if you notice a bump developing, you should contact your podiatrist in Austin, TX, for treatment. Note that one form of bunion, called “bunionettes,” forms not on the side of the big toe but on the side of the pinky toe.

The Problem of Bunions

These bumps aren’t just unsightly. They can be extremely painful. They also affect the gait or the foot mechanics when walking, standing or running. But one of the most inconvenient aspects of having bunions is that they make it very difficult to find footwear that fits. This can be a vicious circle because if shoes are too tight because of the bunions, that can make the bunion even worse. Bunions often cause the affected toe to lift up over the abutting toe, creating an unnatural hump that also complicates finding shoes that fit correctly.

What Causes Bunions?

Although there is a form of bunions that is congenital, most bunions are formed from inordinate pressure on that area of the foot. This pressure is most common in shoes that are too tight, or that push the toe into an unnatural position. The main culprits when it comes to bunion-causing shoes are high heels. High heels not only squeeze the toes together; they also lift the back of the foot, so the weight of the body is pushed forward onto the balls of the feet.

How Are Bunions Formed?

Bunions are formed when unnatural bone growth occurs in the area with the extra pressure. This bone growth creates a bump that is often red and inflamed. Essentially, it creates a foot deformity. The first stage in the formation of a bunion happens when the extra pressure causes the bone to be pushed out of place. This forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. Bunions are made of a combination of bone and tissue.

Bunion treatment in Austin, TX, and Pflugerville, TX is available at the podiatrist’s office of Jeffrey LaMour. Contact us for an assessment and to learn about treatment options.