If you're searching for relief from foot pain, Dr. Yong S. Chae at Active Podiatry helps his patients get moving again by providing quality care and an array of services to treat a wide range of conditions. Patients who suffer from bunions may find it impossible to wear shoes comfortably and find their feet unattractive and painful. If you suspect one is growing on your foot, visit our Indianapolis, IN, or Crawfordsville location for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss the benefits of bunion surgery. Dr. Chae can determine if you're a candidate during your visit.
What are Bunions?
This bony bump or protrusion commonly develops on the side of the big toe. When one arises, it's usually from wearing tight shoes, injuries, congenital deformities, or inherited foot type. Bunions can also be a side effect of rheumatoid arthritis. To determine if you have a bunion, Dr. Chae can accurately diagnose the condition after physically examining the foot during your initial consultation to Active Podiatry. He'll look for changes in foot structure, ask about activities or ill-fitting footwear that may increase your risk, and address any questions or concerns about treatment options.
Do I Need Bunion Surgery?
Bunions don't heal by themselves, and surgery is often necessary when they begin to disrupt daily activities. If non-surgical methods fail, Dr. Chae may recommend a head or base procedure to reduce pain, correct soft tissue changes, and restore your walking ability. Also called a bunionectomy, bunion surgery moves the toe joints back into their proper position and can be performed by the podiatrist on an outpatient basis. Whether or not you need surgery depends on several factors, including the extent of the deformity, age, and activity level.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
Bunions result in chronic irritation, inflammation, and tenderness that require surgical correction. They negatively impact the ligaments and tendons necessary for proper foot function, and can relentlessly interfere with your everyday life if left untreated. You should visit Dr. Chae in our Indianapolis, IN, office or Crawfordsville location if you have difficulty walking normally, or notice one or more of the following around your big toe.
- Limited movement
- Swelling, redness, or soreness
- Thickened skin alongside the edge
- An outward bulge or bump at the base
- Corns or calluses where the toes overlap
Bunions are a progressive disorder, and if they are causing you severe pain and discomfort, visit Dr. Yong S. Chae before symptoms worsen. If applicable in your case, he'll consider non-invasive treatment options before considering bunion surgery. For more information about bunion surgery, other conditions we treat, and services provided at Active Podiatry, visit our website. For appointment scheduling in our Indianapolis, IN, office, please call (317) 245-6223 or (765) 362-7200 for our Crawfordsville location.