Developing a bunion doesn't have to mean living in chronic pain or giving up your busy lifestyle. Many people delay seeking treatment, thinking surgery is their only option or that they should wait until the problem becomes unbearable. However, early intervention with the right podiatrist can not only help you find relief but may also often prevent bunions from worsening.
The St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center team understands that foot pain doesn't follow a convenient schedule. That's why we offer expanded hours across four central Minnesota locations. When bunion pain flares up and affects your ability to work, exercise, or spend time with family, you shouldn't have to wait weeks to get relief.
Understanding Bunions and What Causes Them
A bunion forms when the bone or tissue at the joint connecting your big toe to your foot moves out of place, causing the big toe to bend toward the other toes. When this happens, a bony bump forms on the side of your foot. Bunions can develop slowly, and they often become more noticeable and painful over time. Factors that contribute to bunion development include:
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Genetics plays a significant role in bunion development. If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you have an elevated risk of developing them.
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Foot structure issues, such as having flat feet, low arches, or loose joints, can increase your risk of developing bunions.
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Repeated stress on your feet, such as the stress caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes or high heels, may accelerate bunion formation.
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Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions affect joint health and may increase your likelihood of developing foot deformities.
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Age is another contributing factor, as bunions become more common with age due to joint wear and tear.
Recognizing Bunion Symptoms Before They Worsen
Telltale signs that you may have a bunion include:
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A visible bump on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe is the most obvious sign. It may start small but can grow larger and become more prominent over time.
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Pain and tenderness around the big toe joint are common complaints, particularly when wearing shoes or walking for extended periods.
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Swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected joint are commonly associated with bunions.
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Burning sensations or numbness in the big toe also commonly accompany bunions.
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Stiffness in the big toe joint can develop, making it harder to bend your toe normally when walking. This can potentially lead to pain in your foot, ankle, knee, or hip.
As bunions progress, they can also affect your gait and balance. The big toe may begin to overlap or push against the second toe, potentially causing additional foot problems. You might find it increasingly difficult to find comfortable shoes that accommodate the bunion without causing pain or pressure.
Advanced Nonsurgical Treatment Options
At St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center, we focus on getting to the root cause of your bunion pain and developing a treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle goals and activity level. We utilize a number of noninvasive advanced technologies to accomplish this goal. Examples include:
MLS Laser Therapy
MLS laser therapy is a non-surgical treatment that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in affected tissues. This advanced treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce pain without the side effects associated with medications.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy, also known as EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), is another non-invasive option for bunion pain relief that our podiatry practice provides. This treatment uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Surgical Solutions Including the Lapiplasty Bunionectomy
When conservative treatments aren't sufficient or when bunions significantly impact your quality of life, surgical intervention may be the best option. Our skilled and experienced podiatrists perform various bunion correction procedures, including the advanced lapiplasty bunionectomy procedure, which is a surgical option that addresses the root cause of bunion formation.
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Traditional bunion surgery typically involves removing the bony bump and realigning the toe, but it doesn't always address the underlying instability in the foot that caused the bunion to develop.
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Lapiplasty bunionectomy goes further than traditional bunion surgery by correcting the unstable foundation of the bunion, potentially reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
This three-dimensional approach to bunion correction involves repositioning the unstable metatarsal bone back to its normal alignment and securing it with specialized plates. Patients who undergo Lapiplasty often experience faster recovery times and better long-term outcomes versus traditional bunion surgery.
Why Choose St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center for Your Bunion Care
Since our practice opened in 1991, we've been helping people throughout central Minnesota overcome foot and ankle problems by providing individualized care. What sets us apart isn't just our advanced technology; it's also our commitment to accessible, personalized care that fits your schedule and lifestyle. We understand that every patient's situation is unique. We'll work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that takes your goals into account and meets your needs, and we’ll monitor your progress every step of the way.
