When to Visit a Podiatrist for Bunion Treatment

Our feet serve a critical purpose in keeping us active and mobile. Unfortunately, many of us don’t give them a second thought and neglect to take care of them until an issue develops. An example of this is bunions.

A bunion is a protrusion that develops on the outside of the big toe. Put your feet together and look at the outsides of your big toes. If you see bumps protruding outward, it means you have bunions.

Some people are more prone to bunions than others because of the structures of their feet. If you have flat feet, unstable joints, or low arches, you are at a higher risk of developing bunions than others. Another common cause of bunions is wearing ill-fitted shoes, especially ones that do not offer ample room for the toes, like heels. Women are particularly prone to developing bunions because their shoes are often tight around the toes.

For a lot of people, bunions are simply a cosmetic concern. They don’t cause symptoms, but just make it a little difficult to purchase comfortable shoes and can be unattractive to look at. If you fit in this category, you may find it unnecessary to see a podiatrist. After all, a cosmetic concern doesn’t affect your health and wellbeing, right? Not necessarily. You should see a podiatrist on a regular basis – even if symptoms don’t exist. This is because bunions may start out as painless, but that doesn’t mean they will always be that way.

For many, bunions cause a lot of uncomfortable symptoms. Here are some common ones:

• Bulging bumps that make it difficult to purchase regularly sized shoes
• Pain when wearing closed-toe shoes
• Redness, swelling, or soreness around the big toe, especially after being on your feet
• Pain in the big toe when standing or walking for prolonged periods of time or when wearing closed-toe shoes

If you feel any of these symptoms, it’s a sign that you need to see a podiatrist. Ignoring pain symptoms will not make them go away, and your symptoms are likely to get worse without treatment.

Finally, if your feet hurt after you stand or walk for a few hours, or after you run, play an active sport, or exercise, there may be a structural problem in your feet that needs to be addressed.

Pain is one of the most prominent markers of an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. This is why it should not go ignored. If you feel any sort of pain, soreness, tightness, swelling, or other sensations in your feet, it’s best to see a podiatrist for regular checkups.

Podiatrist in St. Peters and O’Fallon, MO

If you are in need of an experienced podiatrist, look no further than the experts at Advanced Bone & Joint. Our orthopedic team includes Dr. Anthony M. Lombardo, a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist.

Make an appointment today by calling (636) 229-4222. You can also request an appointment online.