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Bunions Specialist

NoVa Foot and Ankle

Podiatrists located in Herndon, VA & Springfield, VA

Bunions are the visible evidence of a deformity of the big toe joint. Without appropriate care, the deformity can become significant and disfiguring, causing chronic pain and making it nearly impossible to find footwear that fits comfortably. NoVa Foot and Ankle is a leading provider of bunion treatment for patients in and around Herndon and Springfield, Virginia, offering an array of conservative and surgical treatment options designed to suit the needs of the individual patient for optimal outcomes.

Bunions Q & A

What are bunions?

Bunions are lumps or bumps that form on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe as a result of change in the big toe joint. Also called hallus valgus or hallus abducto valgus, bunions develop when the big toe is pushed inward toward the other toes, causing the big toe joint to slowly move out of alignment and bulge to the side, creating the bumpy appearance. Bunions progress over time, beginning as a mild inward leaning of the joint and becoming worse as the angle of the bones that comprise the joint are pushed farther out of alignment. Bunions can be quite painful, and they can also make it very difficult to find shoes that fit comfortably. Bunions usually form in people with specific foot shapes that make them more prone to the condition. Problems with gait mechanics and wearing toes that have restricted or cramped toe areas can also contribute to bunion formation.

What symptoms can bunions cause?

Although people with very mild bunions may experience few symptoms, as the condition becomes worse, it can cause:

  • pain or aching in or around the joint
  • inflammation, redness and swelling at the joint
  • burning or tingling sensations at the base of the big toe
  • stiffening and arthritic changes in the joint

People who spend a considerable amount of time on their feet are more likely to have worse symptoms, and bunions also tend to be more common among women.

How are bunions treated?

Bunions should be treated as early as possible to prevent the condition from becoming worse. In very mild cases and especially if the joint is still relatively flexible, changing footwear to include styles with more room in the toe area may be all that’s needed to prevent bunions from becoming worse. For moderate bunions, padding around the bunion can prevent painful friction, and custom orthotics may be recommended to help relieve pressure from the joint so the deformity doesn’t become worse. Oral pain medications, ice packs and injections of corticosteroids may be recommended as well. Less commonly, surgery may be recommended to move the joint back into its normal position. Several types of bunions surgery are available, and the technique will be selected based on the patient’s specific needs and the extent of the deformity.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

At NoVa Foot and Ankle, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.

AARP
Aetna
Anthem Healthkeeper
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
Caterpillar
Cigna
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