Bunion Specialist

Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC Our Services Bunion

Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC

Podiatrist Foot & Ankle Surgeons & Ankle and Foot Surgeons located in Houston, TX

A bunion is a common foot deformity, especially among people who wear high heels and pointy-toed shoes. Randall L. Beckman, DPM, FACFAS, and the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC offer surgical and nonsurgical bunion treatment at their practice in Houston, Texas. A bunion won’t get better on its own — call the office to schedule an appointment today.

Bunion Q&A

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the inside of your foot at the base of the big toe joint. Also called hallux valgus, bunions usually form slowly. However, wearing shoes that squeeze the front of your foot can cause a bunion to become painful and symptomatic more quickly.

A bunion that forms on the outer edge of your foot near the pinky toe joint is called a bunionette.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

In addition to the noticeable bony bump, symptoms of a bunion may include:

  • Pain and tenderness
  • Redness and swelling
  • Corns or calluses from friction on your shoes
  • Stiffness and restricted mobility that may lead to difficulty walking

Without treatment, a bunion continues to worsen and may lead to complications like hammertoe, bursitis, or arthritis. Severe bunions may cause pain even when you’re wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box. 

What causes bunions?

A bunion is the result of a misalignment in the joints of your foot. Some people inherit a foot structure that makes them more susceptible to bunions. Wearing high heels or tight shoes exacerbates this misalignment by forcing your toes into an unnatural position. 


Having an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis may increase your risk of developing a bunion. 

How is a bunion diagnosed and treated?

First, the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC performs a comprehensive foot exam. They can usually diagnose a bunion based on the physical exam, but they may take an X-ray to evaluate your bone structure.

Then, they recommend the best approach to treatment based on your specific needs. Surgery is the only way to correct a bunion deformity, but nonsurgical treatments can relieve the pain and symptoms of a mild bunion and prevent the condition from progressing.

Nonsurgical bunion treatments include:

  • Changing to shoes with a wider toe box
  • Padding the bunion
  • Wearing custom orthotics
  • Taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation

If you continue to experience pain and difficulty walking after attempts at conservative treatment, you may be a candidate for bunion surgery. The team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC performs a variety of bunion correction procedures, including osteotomy, resection arthroplasty, and arthrodesis. 

Full recovery from bunion surgery can take up to several months, during which time your surgeon may recommend exercises or physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility.

For advanced care of bunions, call Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC today.

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