Bunions

Benjamin Van Pham, DPM

Podiatrist located in Roseville, CA & Lincoln, CA

If you’re developing a bump on the side of your big toe joint, odds are that it’s a bunion. While not necessarily harmful, these bony protrusions can be a source of considerable discomfort. Dr. Benjamin Van Pham, DPM has extensive experience helping patients with problematic bunions. To learn more, call one of the two California locations in Roseville or Lincoln or schedule an appointment online.

Bunions Q & A

What is a bunion?

A bunion, which is medically known as hallux abducto valgus, is a bump that develops on the side of your big toe joint. Bunions are progressive as your big toe joint is dislocating when your first metatarsal deviates outward, forcing your big toe to shift inward toward your second toe.

Further, extra bone growth forms on the metatarsal head, which is what leads to the bony protrusion. In extreme cases, your big toe can shift over or under your second toe, creating hammertoe and dislocation of your second toe joint.

While bunions aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can cause considerable pain from shoe pressure as well as arthritic pain from the dislocation of the joint. Bunions also place limits on the types of shoes you can wear without discomfort.

What causes bunions?

The primary culprit behind bunions are ill-fitting shoes, namely those that crowd your toes. Bunions are more common in women, largely because women wear heels with pointy toes.

Outside of footwear, bunions can also be an inherited structural defect, or they may be a result of an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis.

How are bunions treated?

Since bunions are progressive, Dr. Van Pham bases his treatment on the degree of the bunion.

For example, if you’re just starting to notice the formation of a bunion, you can take some great steps to prevent the bunion from getting worse, namely wearing shoes with roomier toe boxes and using functional custom orthotics.

If your bunion is beyond these conservative measures, Dr. Van Pham may recommend a minimally invasive surgery called a bunionectomy to correct the problem. What Dr. Van Pham does during your surgery depends upon the degree of your bunion, but he may:

Shave the bony protrusion down
Realign your first metatarsal
Adjust your tendons

Dr. Van Pham always keeps your quality of life top of mind, which is why he offers a minimally invasive surgery to address bunions that allows you to get back on your feet more quickly. As well, he takes care to minimize any scarring.

If you’re struggling with problematic bunions, call Benjamin Van Pham, DPM, or schedule an appointment using the online booking feature.

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