June 2025

What Exactly Are Bunions?

A bunion is more than just a bump on your toe—it’s a structural issue that occurs when the big toe joint becomes misaligned. This misalignment causes the big toe to lean toward the others, often leading to visible swelling and foot pain. If you’ve experienced soreness or noticed a change in your foot’s appearance, it might be time to consider whether you have a bunion.

What causes bunions? Here are the most common factors:

• Inherited foot structure or genetics
• Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
• Arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis
• Foot injuries or abnormalities

Catch the signs early, and you can address the issue before it worsens!

Could Your Foot Pain Be a Bunion? Know the Signs

If you’re unsure whether you have a bunion, these common symptoms can help you identify the problem:

• A noticeable bump on the side of your big toe joint
• Redness, swelling, or tenderness around your toe
• Persistent pain that worsens after wearing shoes
• Limited movement in the big toe
• Calluses or corns caused by overlapping toes

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to take action. A podiatrist can provide clarity and recommend the best solutions for your feet.

5 Actionable Steps to Prevent Bunions

Even if bunions run in your family, there are steps you can take to minimise your risk and ensure foot health:

1. Invest in Shoes That Support Your Feet

Choose footwear with a wide toe box to avoid pressure on your toes. Ditch the high heels and pointed shoes for more supportive options with proper arch support and cushioning.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight places undue stress on your feet, increasing the risk of bunions. Keeping active and eating a balanced diet can alleviate this pressure.

3. Pay Attention to Foot Hygiene and Care

Regularly clean and moisturise your feet to prevent skin issues that could exacerbate bunion discomfort. Keep an eye out for any changes in foot structure and seek professional advice if needed.

4. Consider Orthotic Inserts

Orthotic devices, such as specially designed insoles, help align your feet and distribute weight evenly. They’re particularly useful for people with flat feet or other structural concerns.

5. Strengthen Your Foot Muscles

Simple exercises, like toe stretches and picking up small objects with your toes, can strengthen foot muscles and improve stability. Stronger muscles can keep bunions at bay.

Options for Treating Bunions

If you suspect you already have a bunion, don’t worry—effective treatment is available. Based on the severity, treatments range from non-invasive methods to surgical solutions:

Non-Surgical Treatments

If your bunion is mild, start with these options to manage discomfort:

• Padding and Taping: Reduce friction and alleviate pain with protective pads or realignment taping.
• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can offer temporary relief.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises improve mobility and reduce pain.
• Custom Orthotics: Specialised insoles can correct alignment and ease pressure.

Surgical Treatments

For severe bunions causing chronic pain or difficulty walking, surgical options may be necessary:

• Bunionectomy: Removes the bunion and adjusts the toe joint’s alignment.
• Osteotomy: Reshapes the bones in the affected joint for better alignment.
• Arthrodesis: Fuses the problematic joint to eliminate movement-related pain.

A podiatrist can help you decide which treatment is best for your specific needs.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

If you think you might have a bunion—or you’re experiencing persistent foot pain—the sooner you consult a podiatrist, the better. Early intervention can prevent complications and help you maintain mobility and comfort.

#1:

Think you might have a bunion? Find out for sure by booking an appointment at Bucksfootclinic.com today. Our expert podiatrists are here to diagnose and treat your foot pain effectively.

#2:

Don’t ignore your foot discomfort. Call Bucksfootclinic.com now to learn more about our personalised care options for bunions and other foot conditions. Your foot health is our priority!

Heel Pain Treatment Solutions | Bucks Foot Clinic

Uncover the causes of heel pain, including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, and explore effective treatment options available at Bucks Foot Clinic.

What is Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a common foot problem that can significantly impact your daily activities. Two of the most frequent causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Understanding these conditions can help you seek effective relief and get back to your normal lifestyle.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that connects your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed. This inflammation typically happens due to repetitive strain, overstretching, or excessive pressure.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning.
• Increased pain after long periods of standing or activity.
• Discomfort or stiffness at the bottom of the foot.

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a small bony growth or calcification that forms on the heel bone due to prolonged strain and stress on the foot muscles and ligaments. Heel spurs often develop alongside plantar fasciitis, as both conditions are related to repeated foot stress.

Typical symptoms include:

• Painful sensation in the heel, especially during walking or running.
• Tenderness or inflammation around the affected area.
• Persistent, dull ache after physical activities.

Effective Heel Pain Treatment at Bucks Foot Clinic

At Bucks Foot Clinic, we specialise in diagnosing and treating heel pain effectively, offering targeted solutions to restore comfort and mobility.

Custom Orthotics

Specially designed orthotic insoles provide support, reduce strain, and alleviate pain by correcting foot posture and distributing pressure evenly.

Shockwave Therapy

A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the heel, providing lasting relief.

Physiotherapy Exercises

Our podiatrists guide you through specific stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to relieve plantar fasciitis and heel spur discomfort.

Footwear Guidance

Professional recommendations for footwear that offers proper cushioning and support, significantly reducing heel pain and preventing recurrence.

Advanced Medical Interventions

In persistent cases, we offer effective medical treatments such as corticosteroid injections to rapidly relieve inflammation and discomfort.

Why Choose Bucks Foot Clinic?

Patients from Amersham, Chesham, Little Chalfont, Beaconsfield, and nearby communities choose Bucks Foot Clinic because of:

• Expert Podiatrists: Specialists skilled in diagnosing and treating heel pain.
• Personalised Treatments: Customised care plans specifically tailored to each patient’s condition.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques ensuring effective treatment.
• Proven Results: Excellent track record of patient satisfaction and pain relief.