FAQs about Bunions

Wondering if you have a bunion or have questions regarding them? We at Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center understand foot problems are confusing at times. Dr. Wellens-Bruschayt serves the Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Davenport, FL communities and can talk with you about these type of conditions.

What Are Bunions?

When the joint located at the base of the big toe enlarges, that is a bunion. It is usually caused by irregular joint mobility or stress. If that enlargement happens at the little toe instead of the big toe it is called a bunionette. They tend to run in families, but aren’t considered hereditary. 

Injuring the toe, arthritis, and some neuromuscular conditions can also cause bunions.

What are Bunion Symptoms?

Symptoms of bunions include pain and swelling at the joint, redness, corns, and a firm bump around the outer edge of the foot or at the big toe. The inability to move the toe well is also a classic sign of bunions.

Bunion Treatment Options

Some of the treatment options for this type of foot condition include cortisone injections or anti-inflammatory drugs. Lifestyle changes such as bunion pads, shoe inserts, or keeping the foot in a position where there is not more stress on that joint can all help. Ultrasound therapy and physical therapy are often prescribed. If nothing helps, bunion surgery is an option.

Bunion Surgery

If you have to have bunion surgery, the time that it will take for you to recover will vary. There will be a few weeks of pain, swelling and mobility issues. The surgical options are updating all the time and now with technology, recovery times are getting lower. You will want to follow your doctor’s post-op instructions to ensure a full recovery.

If you still have questions or concerns about bunions or other foot conditions, our office is standing by to help. Call Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center at 863-299-4551 and let Dr. Wellens-Bruschayt, your Winter Haven & Lakeland, FL podiatrist, help. We are the only podiatry group in Polk county that offers a three dimensional bunion correction called Lapiplasty. There are multiple advantages to having a revolutionary procedure done for bunion deformity with significant reduction of recurrence.  While traditional 2D osteotomy surgery merely cuts & shifts the bone to address the cosmetic bump, Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ corrects the entire bone in 3D and secures the unstable foundation to get you back on your feet quickly in a walking boot. The Lapiplasty® Procedure has also shown low recurrence; 97% and 99% maintain 3D correction in 13 and 17 months respectively.