Bunions are a foot deformity that can sometimes be painful or cause irritation during your daily life. There are misconceptions about bunions that you may have heard in the past and it’s important you understand how to treat bunions and feel comfort even with them. Dr. Troy Fowler at Foot & Ankle Medical Center in Nampa and Fruitland, ID, can answer some frequently asked questions about bunions and what may cause them and how bunions are treated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bunions

Q. What are bunions?

A. Bunions are a bony deformity that develop in your feet from arch issues. This could be flat feet or an overpronounced arch. Over time, a hard bump will develop on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe. Bunions don’t always cause pain but can become irritated from rubbing against the side of your shoe or being sore after standing on your feet for long periods of time.

Q. What causes bunions?

A. Bunions are often caused by arch problems, but there are other issues that can add to the problem. Wearing tight and narrow shoes can also cause bunions to form, which is why it’s common that women often get bunions from ill-fitted high heeled shoes.

Q. How are bunions treated?

A. Most commonly, your podiatrist in Nampa and Fruitland, ID, will recommend conservative treatments for bunions to start. This could be icing your feet daily and performing stretching exercises. In severe cases, you may need surgery to shave down the excess bone and correct any bone deformities.

Contact Your Podiatrist Today

Find out more about bunions today. Contact Dr. Troy Fowler at Foot & Ankle Medical Center in Nampa and Fruitland, ID, to ask any further questions about bunions and how they can be treated. Call for more information today and to schedule an appointment at (208) 466-3338.