Bunions Specialist
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Andrew R. Harrison, DPM
Podiatrist located in San Jose, CA & Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA
Bunions are bony bumps on your big toe that can range from barely noticeable to quite prominent, and prompt treatment is the only way to stop their progression. Andrew R. Harrison, DPM, MS, is a board-certified podiatrist with extensive experience in bunion diagnosis and treatment. At locations in the Lower Pacific Heights area of San Francisco and San Jose, California, Dr. Harrison uses cutting-edge equipment to diagnose your bunion and devises a personalized treatment plan to correct it. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online.
Bunions Q&A
What are bunions?
Bunions are a common foot deformity in which a bump appears on the inside part of your foot, at the base of your big toe. This bump grows as changes in your foot’s framework push the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint out of position.
The shift of your MTP joint commonly causes your big toe to push against or even move atop the smaller toe next to it.
Although the big toe is by far the most common location for bunions, the little toe can also develop tiny bunions, called tailor’s bunions or bunionettes.
What causes bunions?
Bunions develop because of continued abnormal motion and pushing on the MTP joint as you walk. This takes place over many years, which is why bunions tend to start small and worsen gradually.
The underlying reason for bunions vary. Your inherited foot shape and foot mechanics can both play a major role. If you have flat feet or other problems that change the way you walk, you’re more likely to have bunions.
Certain factors can make bunions worse, such as wearing high heels and standing for long periods. But, those things alone don’t cause bunions.
What are the signs of a bunion?
Common signs of a bunion include:
- Firm, bony bump
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Red skin above the bump
- Rough skin over the bump
The problems can extend to other areas, too. You can develop corns on your toes if your big toe covers the bordering toe. Bunions can force you to redistribute your weight as you walk, leading to calluses on the bottom of your foot and possibly even other foot deformities like hammertoe.
What is the most effective treatment for bunions?
Dr. Harrison goes over all the treatment options with you. Generally, when it comes to bunions, your choices include both management and treatment options.
Management
Because bunions are a foot deformity, management won’t get rid of your bunion. However, it can increase your comfort and possibly halt progression. Bunion management options include custom orthotics, bunion pads, taping, physical therapy, pain relievers, and steroid injections.
Surgery
Through bunion surgery, Dr. Harrison can remove the bony prominence and reposition the misaligned bones. Bunion surgery is the only true bunion cure.
Call Andrew R. Harrison, DPM, MS, or click the provided link to set up a consultation now.
