Bunion Treatment in Bellevue
A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe that tends to grow and ache over time. Dr. Hubert Lee eases the pain and takes pressure off the joint with conservative, non-surgical care that helps you stay active.
Bunions are one of the most common foot complaints, and the medical name for them is hallux valgus. The encouraging part is that when a bunion is caught early, it usually responds well to conservative care that relieves the pain and protects the joint. If you need to be seen quickly, we offer same-day and urgent care appointments.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. It forms over time as the joint shifts and the big toe begins to lean toward the smaller toes, which pushes the joint outward into the bump you can see and feel.
Bunions develop slowly, and many people have one for years before it becomes painful. As it grows, the joint can get stiff and tender, and shoes that once fit comfortably may start to pinch over the bump.
Bunion symptoms
A bunion is usually easy to spot, but the discomfort is what brings most people in. Common signs include:
- A bony bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe.
- Aching, soreness, or a burning feeling around the joint.
- Redness and swelling over the bump.
- Stiffness in the big toe joint.
- A callus or corn where the toes rub together.
- Pain that comes and goes with activity or certain shoes.
What causes bunions
Bunions usually come down to the structure of the foot, with footwear and daily wear speeding them along. Common contributors include:
- An inherited foot structure that puts extra pressure on the big toe joint, which is why bunions often run in families.
- Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that crowd the toes.
- Foot types such as flat feet that change how weight loads the joint.
- Conditions that affect the joints, such as arthritis.
- The way you walk, which can place more stress on the front of the foot.
- Standing or activity that puts repeated pressure on the feet.
Bunionettes (tailor’s bunions)
A bunionette, sometimes called a tailor’s bunion, is the same kind of problem on the opposite side of the foot, at the base of the little toe. It forms a smaller bump that can rub against shoes and become sore. The conservative care that helps a bunion, including roomier footwear, padding, and taking pressure off the spot, works the same way for a bunionette, and Dr. Lee treats both.
Our approach at CarePlus
Dr. Lee approaches bunions conservatively, starting with the least invasive care that keeps you comfortable and active. He builds a plan around relieving the pain and taking pressure off the joint, with wider and softer footwear, padding and bunion shields, toe spacers or splints, and custom orthotics to improve alignment and spread pressure across the foot. He focuses on protecting the joint and slowing the bunion’s progression, and he adjusts the plan over time as your needs change. If conservative care ever stops controlling your symptoms, he will talk through what your options are at that point so you can make an informed decision.
When to see a podiatrist
Many people live with a mild bunion for years, but some situations call for professional care. Consider an evaluation when:
- The bump is painful, or the pain is getting in the way of your day.
- The bunion is clearly getting larger, or the toe is leaning more.
- It is hard to find shoes that fit comfortably over the bump.
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or numbness in your feet.
- Home measures and shoe changes are no longer keeping you comfortable.
Why choose CarePlus for bunion care
A bunion is worth treating early, while conservative care can do the most good. Dr. Hubert Lee is a board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrist with more than 15 years of experience, and he treats bunions the conservative way, easing the pain and protecting the joint rather than rushing to anything more. Patients across Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Sammamish, and the greater Seattle area come to CarePlus for that care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunions
Can bunions be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most bunion symptoms can be managed with conservative, non-surgical care such as wider footwear, padding, toe spacers, and custom orthotics. These options relieve pain and take pressure off the joint, and they are where treatment almost always begins.
Do bunions go away on their own?
No, a bunion will not disappear on its own, because it comes from a change in the alignment of the joint. Conservative care cannot reverse that change, but it can ease the pain and help slow how quickly the bunion progresses.
What is a bunionette, or tailor’s bunion?
A bunionette is the same kind of bump on the opposite side of the foot, at the base of the little toe. It can rub against shoes and become sore, and it responds to the same conservative care as a bunion, including roomier shoes, padding, and offloading the pressure.
Will my bunion keep getting worse?
Bunions tend to progress slowly, and how fast varies from person to person. Conservative care will not straighten the toe, but easing pressure on the joint and changing footwear can reduce pain and help slow the progression.
What shoes are best if I have a bunion?
Look for shoes with a wide, rounded toe box, soft and flexible material over the bump, and a low heel. Avoid narrow, pointed, or high-heeled shoes, which crowd the toes and put more pressure on the joint.
When should I see a podiatrist for a bunion?
See a podiatrist when the bump is painful, getting larger, or making it hard to wear shoes or stay active. Earlier care gives conservative treatment the best chance to keep you comfortable. Call (425) 455-0936 or schedule online to get started.
Bothered by a bunion?
See Dr. Lee for conservative, non-surgical care that eases the pain and takes pressure off the joint. Schedule a visit at CarePlus in Bellevue.