Bunion - Hallux Valgus
Bunions can start as a small bump near the big toe, but they may become painful when pressure, shoe irritation, or joint changes affect how you walk. At Advanced Ankle & Foot in Katy, Dr. Scott C. Burdge, DPM evaluates your foot structure, symptoms, and activity needs before recommending conservative care, surgical correction, or continued monitoring.
All About Bunions
A bunion—also called hallux valgus—is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, where it meets the foot. Over time, the big toe starts to shift inward toward the second toe, which forces the joint to protrude outward. The result is a misaligned, often painful joint that can worsen without proper care.
Bunions may seem like a cosmetic issue at first, but they’re actually a progressive deformity. That means they don’t go away on their own and can eventually affect your ability to walk comfortably.
Common Symptoms of Bunions
Not all bunions are painful right away—but when symptoms do appear, they’re hard to ignore. You may notice:
- A visible bump on the inside of your foot at the base of the big toe
- Redness, swelling, or soreness around the joint
- Calluses or corns where the toes rub together
- Limited range of motion in the big toe
- Persistent or intermittent foot pain
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly
Some people also develop smaller bunions, called bunionettes, near the base of the little toe. These can cause similar symptoms and may require similar treatment.
What Causes Bunions
Bunions can be caused by several different factors, including:
- Inherited foot structure: Many bunions run in families due to biomechanical foot shapes passed down through generations.
- Footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can increase pressure on the toes, contributing to bunion development over time.
- Arthritis: Certain types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis, can cause joint damage that leads to bunions.
- Foot injuries: Past trauma or repeated stress on the toe joint can contribute to misalignment.
- Flat feet or abnormal gait: Poor biomechanics increase stress on the forefoot, which can lead to deformity.
Do Bunions Get Worse?
Yes—bunions are progressive and typically worsen over time if left untreated. As the joint becomes more misaligned, pain can increase, and the deformity may interfere with daily activities. In severe cases, the big toe may start to overlap or underlap the second toe, leading to additional problems like hammertoes or metatarsalgia.
Early intervention is key to slowing progression and avoiding the need for surgery later on.
How to Prevent Bunions from Getting Worse
If you’re in the early stages of bunion development—or you’ve already had treatment—there are things you can do to protect your feet:
- Wear supportive shoes with a wide toe box
- Avoid high heels and narrow footwear
- Use orthotics to correct foot mechanics
- Monitor for signs of irritation or increased deformity
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
- Schedule routine checkups with a podiatrist
Staying ahead of bunion progression can help you avoid long-term complications and preserve your mobility.
Conservative Bunion Treatments
Not every bunion needs surgery. Conservative care may help reduce pressure, improve shoe comfort, and slow irritation for mild to moderate bunions. These may include:
Custom Orthotics
Prescription shoe inserts can improve alignment, redistribute pressure, and help reduce pain during daily activities.
Footwear Modifications
Wearing shoes with a wider toe box and good arch support can reduce friction and allow your foot to move more naturally.
Padding & Splinting
Bunion pads or toe spacers can relieve pressure and reduce irritation, especially when used consistently.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to relieve pain and reduce swelling in the joint.
Activity Modifications
Avoiding activities that aggravate your bunion—such as prolonged standing or high-impact sports—can help manage symptoms.
These treatments won’t “cure” a bunion, but they can slow progression and significantly improve your comfort and mobility.
When Bunion Surgery May Be Recommended
If conservative measures no longer provide relief, or if the bunion interferes with daily life, Dr. Burdge may discuss surgical options after an in-person evaluation.
Dr. Burdge is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with privileges at Methodist West Hospital, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Surgery Center, Kingsland. He performs several types of bunion surgery, depending on your specific foot structure and severity:
Bunionectomy
This involves removing the bony bump and realigning soft tissues around the joint.
Osteotomy
A precise cut is made in the bone to shift the joint back into proper alignment. The bone is then stabilized with small screws or pins.
Arthrodesis
In cases involving arthritis or severe deformity, this procedure fuses the joint to eliminate motion and prevent further misalignment.
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients are able to walk in a protective boot shortly after. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but our team provides clear guidance every step of the way.
What to Expect During Recovery
After surgery, most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function. You’ll need to limit weight-bearing activity at first and follow post-op instructions closely. Dr. Burdge will see you for follow-up visits to monitor your healing and ensure the best long-term outcome.
Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and balance in the foot.
Get Expert Bunion Care in Katy Today
You don’t have to live with foot pain. Whether you need help managing early symptoms or are considering surgery for a severe bunion, the team at Advanced Ankle & Foot are here to help.
Call today to schedule your appointment or book online. We’ll help you get back on your feet—comfortably and confidently.
Katy Office
- 21524 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77450
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