Bunions are an incredibly common issue in America, and it’s a condition that tends to get worse unless it is actively treated. So while we’re going to use today’s blog to spotlight some of the symptoms that suggest you should seek immediate attention for your bunion, the fact of the matter is that you should never ignore a bunion. If you’re dealing with any of the symptoms listed below, odds are you should have pursued active treatments sooner.
That said, late treatment is better than no treatment at all, and there’s no guarantee that surgery will be your only option. You should reach out to a foot and ankle specialist if you notice signs of a bunion, but that’s especially true if your bunion is presenting with any of the symptoms listed below.
Serious Bunion Symptoms
Here’s a closer look at some of the symptoms that suggest you would benefit from aggressive active treatment at the hands of a foot and ankle specialist for your bunion.
1. Pain – One of the most common reasons why people put off bunion treatment is because it is not painful. It may be unsightly and unlikely to get better on its own, but people may still choose to ignore it so long as it’s not painful. Many bunions start off asymptomatic before eventually becoming painful, meaning that by the time it starts hurting, you’re already dealing with a more advanced stage. If your bunion is painful or uncomfortable, contact a foot specialist.
2. Overlapping Toes – If your bunion has progressed to the point where your big toe is overlapping one or more adjacent toes, it’s time to seek out a specialist. Clearly there is major joint shifting that needs to be addressed before it causes more problems to the foot.
3. Altered Gait – If your bunion is causing you to change how you normally walk, it’s high time to set up a consultation with a foot and ankle specialist. You may think that everything is fine if you walk with a hitch in your gait, but this will alter how stress is handled by your entire lower body. This can cause problems for your feet, ankles, knees and hips. If your bunion is altering your gait, schedule a doctor’s appointment.
4. Uncomfortable In Shoes – Finally, if your bunion is making wearing shoes uncomfortable, it’s time to set up an appointment with a orthopedic specialist. Bunions tend to get worse when you wear tight- or ill-fitting shoes, so continuing to jam them into your footwear even though it’s uncomfortable will only exacerbate the issue. This symptom may be present in the early stages of bunion formation when the condition is more responsive to conservative care, so don’t wait to seek treatment if your big toe joint is uncomfortable in you shoes!