Do you know when to seek a medical career for a bunion? A bunion can be an unsightly problem, which is enough for many people to seek a foot specialist who can address it. A bunion can also interfere with your life in other ways, such as by causing discomfort. As such, many people seek medical care for this common foot issue. However, for those who do not mind the appearance of a bunion or have minor symptoms, medical care is not a priority.
Here are some reasons why people seek medical care from a podiatrist for bunions. If any of them resonate with you, see a foot doctor for care.
Self-Consciousness
When you develop a bunion, the tip of your big toe will physically shift inward toward your other toes. As a result, the last joint of your big toe protrudes, causing your foot to look very different over time. The skin over the bump may also appear red. If you wear sandals or are barefoot around others, a bunion may make you feel uncomfortable. This is a common reason why many people explore treatment options.
Pain
You will want to call a podiatrist if your bunion is causing pain. The pain can stem from your big toe being forced out of alignment. The pain could also stem from calluses or corns forming in between your big toe and the toe beside it. Sometimes, the pain arises as a result of an irritant, like your shoes rubbing against the bunion. Your pain may be persistent, or it may come and go. The pain will worsen over time – especially if you wear ill-fitting shoes that do not provide ample room for your toes. This pain can interfere with your ability to walk, exercise, and be active on your feet. If this applies to you, seek treatment.
Difficulty Wearing Shoes
Even a minor bunion can make certain pairs of shoes uncomfortable to wear. However, if you experience pain in most pairs of shoes you own or finding shoes that fit properly has become a challenge, it may be time to contact a podiatrist for treatment or direction on finding proper shoes.
Reduced Range of Motion in Your Toe
Once your bunion has worsened, it can interfere with your ability to move your toe. When you can’t move your toe, it could cause functional issues with your foot. If you notice stiffness or reduced motion in your toes, or if utilizing your foot’s joints for normal use causes pain, see a podiatrist.
Why Choose Our Foot Specialist Near Columbia, MD for Your Bunion Care
Schedule an appointment with Orthopaedics Associates of Central Maryland, serving Catonsville, Columbia, and the nearby Maryland regions today for treatment for your bunions. A bunion causes pain and may lead to a variety of other issues to develop, so Dr. Mark Lipton encourages people to seek out care sooner rather than later. Our foot specialist doesn’t want you to suffer and will find a solution ideal for you, such as custom orthotics or surgery.
Call us at 410-644-1880 for an appointment or use our online scheduling tool.
