How a Podiatrist Treats Bunions

Bunions are caused by your big toe joints becoming incorrectly aligned. This causes the first joint on your big toe to slant outward and the second joint then angles toward your other toes. Your joints then begin to swell. This causes a bump of bone on the foot that can become very painful if untreated.

Bunions can be hereditary, but also can be aggravated by shoes that aren't a good fit. Surgery is often recommended to correct the problem. Most bunions can be treated without surgery by wearing protective pads to cushion the painful area and avoid ill-fitting shoes.