Can Bunions Cause Ankle Pain?
First, let’s talk about what bunions are, exactly.
A bunion is a bony bump which forms at the base of the big toe. Pressure on the big toe joint causes the big toe to lean toward the second toe. Over time, the normal structure of the bone can change, resulting in the bunion bump. This deformity can gradually increase and may make it painful to wear shoes or walk.
Pain caused by bunions
Not only can bunions be painful at the toe, but they can also result in pain at the ankle.
That’s because when bunions are left untreated, the progression of the deformity can worsen. Because the big toe flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more painful and difficult walking can become. An advanced bunion can greatly alter the appearance of the foot. In severe bunions, the big toe may angle all the way under or over the second toe forces it out of alignment.
Adding insult to injury, if the second toe is thrust upward by the migrating big toe, corns and calluses can form on top of the second toe. This can create an additional source of pain and discomfort.
As a bunion progresses, position and function of surrounding structures of the foot that are critical to maintaining balance can become restricted. Weight distribution may become skewed, subjecting areas of the foot to significant weightbearing to bear a disproportionate amount of weight and leading to strain and pain.
In worst cases, a severe bunion can upset the foots ability to balance weight impacting the ankle. Early treatment of the bunion can aid in relieving the strain on your feet and may limit subsequent structure changes which can lead to pain and discomfort all the way up to the ankle joint.
Relieving bunion pain
Conservative treatments your physician may recommend for early stage bunions may include a change in footwear or application of padding the bunion site. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by your physician to address inflammation and redness which can develop at the bunion site. If a bunion is left untreated and allowed to progress, your physician may deem surgery the only option to correct the bunion to achieve pain relief.
Traditional bunion surgery methods may require a four to six-inch incision, extended recovery times, and leave the patient with visible scar. Recent technological advances including the new Paragon 28 Phantom® Small Bone Intramedullary Nail offer patients a less invasive option intended to reduce scaring, increased stability at the surgery site, and may allow for a more rapid return to full weight-bearing and activity.
Other options for relieving bunion pain
Anyone who has a bunion knows the pain is real – whether the pain is located on or around the toe, or occurs in the ankle as the bunion grows. To find a surgeon near you to discuss your treatment options, visit our surgeon finder.
Important Risk Information
Only a surgeon can tell if the Phantom® Small Bone Intramedullary Nail is right for you. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. Potential risks include but are not limited to infection, discomfort, or swelling due to balancing and introduction of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction. Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
For the contraindications, potential complications and adverse reactions, warnings and precautions associated with this device, please refer to the device specific instructions for use at http://www.paragon28.com/ifus.
For additional information on Paragon 28® and its products please visit www.paragon28.com.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/symptoms-causes/syc-20354799
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what-to-do-about-bunions
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-ways-to-ease-your-bunions-without-surgery
https://www.neufoot.com/blog/10-step-guide-to-treat-bunion-pain
