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When you notice a lump on the side of your big toe, you may question what it is and if it's curable. Those who experience pain from this protrusion may wonder how they can stop it. At Rhode Island Foot and Ankle- Center for Heel Pain, our podiatrists, Dr. John Volpe, Dr. Peter Sardella, and Dr. Ethan Pais serve the foot needs of Cranston, RI, and the nearby regions and want you to know it may be a bunion. Let's discuss some of the most frequently asked questions.

What's a Bunion?

A bunion appears as a protrusion on the side of your big toe. Specifically, it targets the last joint or the base of the toe. It happens when the bones in this region shift out of position. The tip of your toe will point inward, while the part at the last joint will poke outward. Some people develop smaller bunions, which are known as bunionettes but have the same cause. 

Will Bunions Cause Symptoms?

In the less severe cases, you may not have any symptoms of bunions besides the lump's unappealing look. People with a more serious case, though, may experience any of the following:

  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Redness
  • Continuous pain
  • Pain that goes away and returns
  • Limited movement in your toe
  • Corns 
  • Calluses

Are Certain People More at Risk for Bunions Than Others?

Some people have a greater risk of bunions than others, such as those with an inherited foot type, like those who are flat-footed. Sometimes, a person may have a deformity at birth which increases their chances. Foot stress and injuries may enhance your likelihood, and so may having arthritis that affects the toe joints. 

As of now, researchers aren't in agreement as to whether too narrow shoes or high-heeled ones contribute to the onset, but it may be best to wear shoes with spacious enough toes and limit your high-heel usage. 

Can Bunions Be Cured?

In less severe cases, our Cranston, RI, podiatrist will recommend comfort measures you can take, such as changing shoes or wearing padding in them. The goal of treatment is to ease your symptoms and prevent the problem from worsening. 

When those measures are no longer enough, a specialist from our team may recommend surgical intervention. The surgery may involve repositioning the bone, removing tissue surrounding the toe, removing a bone, or adhering the bones at the base of the toe together. 

At Rhode Island Foot and Ankle- Center for Heel Pain, serving Cranston, RI, and the general vicinity, Dr. Volpe, Dr. Sardella, or Dr. Pais can help if you have a bunion or bunions. Through an evaluation of the problem and your symptoms, we can determine the treatment for you.

Call (401) 946-9933 today.

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