Bunion Treatment in Pembroke Pines & Plantation
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions can develop from an inherited foot structure, excess stress on the foot, or an existing medical condition, and they tend to get worse over time. At Daniel Bell, DPM - Foot & Ankle Institute, Daniel Bell, DPM offers both conservative bunion care and advanced surgical correction, including Lapiplasty, to relieve pain and restore comfort in your shoes.
What Causes Bunions?
A bunion, known medically as hallux valgus, forms when the first metatarsal bone shifts out of position and the big toe angles toward the smaller toes. Common contributing factors include:
- Inherited foot shape and an unstable joint at the base of the first metatarsal
- Flat feet and abnormal foot mechanics
- Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
- Inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Previous foot injuries
Signs You May Need Bunion Treatment
Many bunions cause little trouble at first. A podiatrist can help if you are experiencing:
- Pain or soreness at the big toe joint
- Redness, swelling, or inflammation over the bump
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably
- Limited motion in the big toe
- Overlapping toes, hammertoes, or calluses and corns from pressure
- Pain in the ball of the foot
Non-Surgical Bunion Care
Conservative treatment cannot reverse a bunion, but it can reduce pain and slow progression:
- Wider, roomier shoes with a low heel
- Bunion pads and toe spacers
- Custom orthotics to improve foot mechanics
- Anti-inflammatory medication and icing
- Injections for joint inflammation
Bunion Surgery and Lapiplasty
When pain continues or the deformity worsens despite conservative care, surgery may be the best option. Dr. Bell offers Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction, which corrects the unstable metatarsal at its root rather than just shaving the bump, helping lower the risk of recurrence. Learn more about our surgical correction of foot disorders and broader foot and ankle surgery.
Bunions and Overall Foot Health
For patients with diabetes, bunion pressure points can lead to skin breakdown, so regular diabetic foot care is important. Explore other conditions we treat or visit our foot pain page.
Bunion FAQs
Can bunions go away on their own?
No. Bunions are a structural deformity and do not go away without surgery, though conservative care can relieve symptoms.
Do bunions always get worse?
Bunions tend to progress over time, especially with tight footwear, but the rate varies from person to person.
When should I consider bunion surgery?
Consider surgery when bunion pain limits your daily activities or footwear choices and does not improve with conservative treatment.
What is Lapiplasty?
Lapiplasty is a 3D bunion correction procedure that realigns the first metatarsal at its base and secures it with titanium plates to correct the root cause.
Do toe spacers fix bunions?
Toe spacers can relieve pressure and discomfort but do not permanently correct the bone alignment.
Can wearing high heels cause bunions?
Narrow, high-heeled shoes do not usually cause bunions alone, but they can speed up bunion development in people who are predisposed.
How long is recovery from bunion surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. Many patients return to normal shoes within a few months, with full recovery taking longer.
Get Relief From Bunion Pain
From padding and orthotics to Lapiplasty, we have options to help. Call (954) 942-5005 - Pembroke Pines Office or (954) 942-5005 - Plantation Office or request an appointment online with Dr. Bell.