Bunion Treatment in Victoria, TX

A bunion is a change in alignment at the base of the big toe that creates a prominent bump and may cause pain in shoes or while walking. At Victoria Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Matthew Eberly evaluates bunions and discusses nonsurgical care and surgical options when appropriate.

How to tell if it is a bunion

Look at the joint at the base of your big toe. Signs to check for:

A bump on the inside edge of your foot
Redness or swelling over the joint
Skin that is sore, thick, or shiny from rubbing
A big toe that angles toward the second toe
Pain that is worse in narrow shoes and eases when you are barefoot
A corn or callus where the first and second toes press together

Stiffness is a warning sign. A big toe joint that will not bend can mean arthritis has set into the joint , which changes the treatment plan.

What causes bunions

Inherited foot structure and mechanics can contribute to bunions. Shoes that crowd the toes can increase pressure and worsen symptoms. The factors involved vary, so an examination helps identify what is contributing to your discomfort.

Bunions do not go away on their own. Padding, shoe changes, toe spacers, or splints may help symptoms for some people, but they do not reverse the alignment change.

Some people with flat feet or other foot mechanics may have more pressure at the big toe joint. The relationship varies, so Dr. Eberly evaluates your foot structure before recommending care.

Bunions do not go away on their own. A toe spacer or a splint will not move the bone back where it started.

How Dr. Eberly diagnoses a bunion

Your visit starts with your story. When did the bump show up? Which shoes hurt? What have you tried already?

Then Dr. Eberly examines the joint. He checks how far the big toe bends, where it is tender, and how your foot loads when you stand and walk.

Weight-bearing X-rays may be used to assess bone alignment and the condition of the joint.

Treatment

Most patients start with care that does not involve surgery:

Roomier shoes. A wider, deeper toe box can take pressure off the joint.
Shoe inserts or orthotics may be considered to improve support or redistribute pressure. The choice depends on your examination and symptoms.
Padding over the bump to reduce rubbing that makes the skin sore.
Medication for pain or inflammation may be appropriate after a review of your health history and other medicines.
A corticosteroid injection may be considered for selected patients when joint inflammation is contributing to symptoms.

These measures may reduce discomfort, but they do not reverse the bunion’s alignment. Surgery is not necessary for everyone.

Surgery may be considered when pain continues to limit daily activities despite nonsurgical treatment. The procedure depends on the alignment, joint condition, and your goals. Dr. Eberly can explain whether a minimally invasive bunion surgery approach is suitable and discuss benefits, risks, and alternatives.

What recovery looks like

Recovery depends on the procedure and on how far the bone has to move. Some patients walk in a surgical boot soon after. Others need to stay off the foot for a set stretch of time. Dr. Eberly goes over your timeline before you book a date, not after.

Swelling can persist during recovery, but new or worsening symptoms should be discussed with your surgical team. Follow your individual instructions for weight-bearing, wound care, and returning to shoes and activities.

When to see a podiatrist

Come in when the bump starts changing your shoes or your day. Call us if:

The joint hurts most days
You have given up shoes you used to wear
The big toe is getting stiff
The skin over the bump is raw or broken
The toe is drifting further each year
You have diabetes or poor circulation, in which case any rubbing spot needs an early look

Book an appointment

Call 361-576-3338 (FEET) or use our online appointment request form.

Victoria Foot & Ankle Center is at 2700 Hospital Dr, Building A, Suite 101 in Victoria, TX. We see patients from Cuero, Port Lavaca, Goliad, Edna, Beeville, and across the Crossroads.