Common symptoms of bunions include:

• A bony bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe
• Pain, swelling or redness around the joint
• Corns or calluses where the toes overlap
• The big toe leaning toward the other toes

When to see a podiatrist for treatment:

• Pain makes it hard to walk or wear shoes
• The bump is getting bigger
• You have diabetes or circulation problems
• Signs of infection like redness, warmth, or drainage

In-Office Treatment

Dr. Rudin examines the foot and, when needed, takes x-rays to see how much the joint has shifted. He relieves pressure with padding and protective devices, and treats painful corns and calluses caused by the bunion. For a painful, inflamed joint, he may recommend a cortisone injection.

At-Home Care & Prevention

The key to living comfortably with a bunion is taking pressure off the joint. Dr. Rudin will recommend shoes with a wide, deep toe box and soft uppers that don't press on the bump, plus pads and spacers you can use at home. Custom orthotics can also improve how the foot moves and reduce stress on the big toe joint.

Ongoing Management

A bunion won't go away on its own, but most patients stay comfortable with the right shoes, inserts and regular check-ups. If a bunion becomes too painful to manage this way, Dr. Rudin will explain your options, including whether a surgical consultation makes sense. To slow a bunion down, he may recommend custom orthotics to redistribute pressure more evenly.