Bunions
A bunion can make walking, exercise, and comfortable shoes difficult. Dr. Mark Forman offers conservative and minimally invasive bunion treatment in Scottsdale, with surgery considered when other options are not enough.
Common Bunion Symptoms
- A visible bump at the base of the big toe
- Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling around the joint
- Stiffness or limited movement of the big toe
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- Corns or calluses where the toes rub together
Why Do Bunions Develop?
Bunions often develop because of the structure and mechanics of the foot. Genetics can play an important role, while certain footwear may increase pressure on the joint and make symptoms worse.
- Inherited foot shape or mechanics
- Changes in the alignment of the big toe joint
- Arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions
- Footwear that places added pressure on the toes
Bunion Treatment Options
Bunion treatment depends on your symptoms, the severity of the bunion, and how much it is affecting your daily life.
Conservative Care
For many patients, treatment begins with simple changes that can reduce pressure on the big toe joint and make walking and footwear more comfortable
- Wider, supportive footwear
- Padding, splints, or toe spacers
- Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure
- Activity modifications to reduce irritation
These approaches do not remove the bunion, but they may help manage symptoms and delay or avoid surgery for some patients.
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
When a bunion continues to cause pain or interfere with walking, footwear, or everyday activities despite conservative care, surgery may be considered.
Dr. Forman offers minimally invasive bunion correction for appropriate patients, using small incisions and specialized techniques to realign the bone and joint while limiting disruption to surrounding tissue.
- Small incisions compared with traditional open techniques
- Correction focused on the underlying bone and joint alignment
- Outpatient treatment for appropriate patients
- A recovery plan based on your procedure and lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions
Common bunion symptoms include a visible bump at the base of the big toe, pain or tenderness around the joint, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Some people also develop corns or calluses where the toes rub together.
Consider seeing a podiatrist if your bunion is causing ongoing pain, making shoes uncomfortable, limiting movement in the big toe, or interfering with walking and daily activities. Dr. Mark Forman provides bunion evaluations and treatment in Scottsdale.
Yes. Many bunions can initially be managed with non-surgical treatment options such as footwear changes, padding, orthotics, and activity modifications. Bunion surgery may be considered when conservative treatments are no longer providing enough relief.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized surgical techniques to correct the position of the bone and joint. Dr. Forman offers minimally invasive bunion surgery in Scottsdale for appropriate patients.
Recovery after bunion surgery varies depending on the procedure, the severity of the bunion, and the individual patient. Dr. Forman will explain the expected recovery timeline, activity restrictions, footwear, and follow-up care before surgery.
Put Your Feet First provides conservative and surgical bunion treatment in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Mark Forman has more than 20 years of experience treating foot and ankle conditions and offers minimally invasive bunion correction when appropriate.
Is Your Bunion Getting in the Way?
If bunion pain is making it harder to walk, stay active, or wear comfortable shoes, it may be time to have it evaluated. Meet with Dr. Forman to understand your options and determine the right next step for you.