Bunions come in all different shapes and sizes, but they are actually classified in different ways depending on their size, location and when they develop on a person’s foot. There are three main classifications of bunions that we want to spotlight in today’s blog, and each will be treated a little differently. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at how three different types of bunions are typically treated.
Treating Different Types Of Bunions
If you’re dealing with a bump on the side of your big toe or pinky toe, there’s a good chance that what you’re seeing is a bunion. The type, severity and likeliness to respond to treatment will dictate your care plan moving forward. Here’s a look at the three main types of bunions that we help treat:
1. Standard Bunion – As the name implies, the standard bunion is the most common type of bunion, and it develops on the big toe joint in adults. This bony formation may cause your big toe to turn inwards slightly, and while it may not be painful in the beginning, untreated adult bunions typically only become more misshapen and symptomatic the longer you go without treatment. You may be able to avoid surgery if you make some conservative changes while the bunion is in its infancy, which typically involves switching to shoes that fit better, custom orthotics and weight loss. If the bunion continues to progress, surgery to readjust the joint may be the only viable option.
2. Tailor’s Bunion – Bunions typically affect your big toe joint, but not always. Some people develop a bunion on their smallest toe, and this is known as a tailor’s bunion or a bunionette. Like a standard bunion, a tailor’s bunion usually develops as a result of poor-fitting shoes that put abnormal pressure on the pinky toe. Switching to a wider shoe can help to offset any symptoms, which are usually less severe than that of a standard bunion, as can strength training exercises to improve supportive ligaments and muscles in the foot and leg area.
3. Juvenile Bunion – The final type of bunion that we’ll deep dive is the juvenile bunion. These bunions develop on children and teens, and they oftentimes develop as a result of wearing poor-fitting, tight or high heeled shoes during adolescence when their feet are growing and taking on their adult shape. Research shows that teenage girls are three times more likely to develop juvenile bunions compared to their male counterparts. Girls tend to be more likely to choose fashionable shoes that may be tighter or less supportive of the toe complex, leading to bunion onset. Again, it really comes down to making sure that your child’s feet are in a comfortable and supportive shoe when they’ll be wearing them for an extended period of time.