Foot pain that affects your daily life is more than just a nuisance. It’s often a sign of a condition that needs attention. One of the most common issues patients report is a bunion: a progressive deformity of the big toe joint that can lead to chronic discomfort, difficulty walking, and long-term joint damage if left untreated.
At South Texas Podiatry in San Antonio, our team of expert podiatrists, led by Dr. Ed Davis, Dr. Silas Espino, and Dr. Bryan Sagray, specializes in diagnosing and treating bunions using both non-invasive and advanced surgical techniques. We’re committed to addressing the root cause of your foot problems, not just the symptoms. Whether you're looking to relieve pain, correct the deformity, or explore bunion surgery options, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Call (210) 490-3668 or request an appointment online.
Read on to learn how bunions form, how to recognize symptoms, and what your options are for effective relief.
What Causes Bunions?
A bunion, or hallux valgus, forms when the joint at the base of the big toe—the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—becomes misaligned. Over time, the big toe drifts toward the second toe, creating a visible, often painful bony bump on the side of the foot.
Bunions develop from a combination of genetics, foot structure, and lifestyle factors. While bunions are not directly inherited, faulty foot mechanics that contribute to their formation often run in families. Common causes of bunions include:
- Flat feet or overpronation
- High arches and foot instability
- Wearing narrow shoes or high heels
- Prolonged pressure on the forefoot
- Neuromuscular conditions or arthritis
- Prior foot injuries
Although women are more likely to develop bunions, partly due to restrictive footwear, bunions can affect anyone with structural imbalances in the foot.
How to Recognize Bunion Symptoms
Bunion symptoms typically develop slowly, but over time, they can affect your comfort, mobility, and ability to wear shoes that once fit easily. Knowing the early warning signs can help you take action before the condition worsens.
Common symptoms of a bunion include:
- A visible, bony bump at the base of the big toe
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness around the big toe joint
- Persistent pain when walking, standing for long periods, or wearing snug shoes
- A feeling that your toes are crowded or overlapping
- Limited movement in the big toe or difficulty bending it comfortably
- Calluses or thickened skin where the bunion rubs against footwear
As the deformity progresses, the second toe may begin to shift, especially if the big toe starts pushing against it. In more advanced cases, bunions may contribute to additional issues such as hammertoes, bursitis, or pain across the ball of the foot.
If you're noticing any of these symptoms—especially if they’re interfering with daily activities—it's a good time to speak with a foot and ankle specialist. Early evaluation and conservative treatment can often prevent further progression.
Non-Surgical and Surgical Bunion Treatments
Early intervention can slow the progression of bunions and reduce symptoms. At South Texas Podiatry, we offer a range of non-surgical bunion relief options designed to address pain, correct foot mechanics, and prevent further deformity:
Non-Surgical Bunion Relief
- Custom Orthotics & Shoe Inserts: Help stabilize the foot and realign pressure.
- Proper Footwear: Choosing the best shoes for bunions with wide toe boxes and supportive soles can reduce friction.
- Bunion Pads or Toe Spacers: Provide cushioning and realign the big toe joint.
- Anti-inflammatory treatments: Including ice packs, topical pain relief, and oral medications.
- Splints or Bracing: Particularly for adolescent hallux valgus, to guide bone development.
- Stretching Exercises: Maintain joint flexibility and alleviate tightness in the foot and calf muscles.
If conservative care doesn’t provide adequate relief and the bunion becomes painful or severely deformed, bunion surgery may be recommended.
Bunion Surgery Options
- Mild Bunionectomies: Shave off excess bone and correct minor soft tissue imbalance.
- “Head” Procedures: Realign the metatarsal head and secure it with surgical hardware.
- Base Procedures: Used for more advanced deformities, sometimes involving wedge removal or ligament balancing.
Each bunion surgery is customized based on the patient’s anatomy and severity of the deformity. Our team uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, allowing many patients to walk in a surgical boot shortly after their procedure.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
Preventing bunions—or keeping a mild deformity from worsening—starts with daily habits that support healthy foot mechanics. These simple adjustments can make a big difference in your long-term comfort and mobility:
- Choose properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box, firm arch support, and low heels to minimize pressure on the forefoot.
- Limit time in high heels or narrow, pointed shoes, which can push the toes out of alignment and aggravate bunion formation.
- Use orthotic inserts or custom devices to support proper foot alignment and reduce uneven pressure on the big toe joint.
- Maintain a healthy weight to decrease excess strain on your feet and joints.
- Incorporate daily stretching, especially for the calves, Achilles tendon, and toes, to promote flexibility and joint health.
- Address early symptoms quickly—if you notice a bump, stiffness, or pain at the base of your big toe, prompt podiatric evaluation can help slow or stop progression.
Staying proactive with your foot health can delay or even prevent the need for surgical intervention.
How South Texas Podiatry Can Help
At South Texas Podiatry in San Antonio, our goal is to help you stay active and pain-free with expert care rooted in both advanced technology and a conservative, patient-first approach. Dr. Davis, along with Dr. Espino and Dr. Sagray, brings decades of experience to each treatment plan, focusing on the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.
We offer comprehensive, customized care for bunions, starting with the least invasive methods available. When you visit our clinic, you can expect:
- Thorough evaluations that include diagnostic imaging and gait analysis to understand the extent of your bunion deformity.
- Onsite orthotic scanning to create custom shoe inserts that improve foot alignment and reduce pressure on the big toe joint.
- Personalized non-surgical care plans, including footwear guidance, toe spacers, stretching exercises, and splinting for early-stage bunions.
- Minimally invasive surgical options for more advanced cases, focused on restoring joint function and long-term mobility with as little downtime as possible.
Whether you’re seeking non-surgical bunion relief or exploring bunion surgery options, our podiatry team will work closely with you to find the right path forward, based on your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. We're here to help you move more comfortably every step of the way.
Step Confidently—Relieve Your Bunion Pain Today!
Bunions can interfere with your daily routine, but with expert care, they don’t have to. Whether you're exploring non-surgical bunion relief or considering surgical correction, South Texas Podiatry provides trusted treatment in San Antonio.
Call (210) 490-3668 or request an appointment online to schedule your visit with Dr. Davis, Dr. Espino, or Dr. Sagray today. We’ll help you move forward with comfort and confidence.
