We Provide Conservative and More Advanced Techniques for Treating Bunion Pain in North Seattle

Expert bunion treatment—conservative to surgical—so you can stay active without pain.

Is Bunion Pain Making Your Life Difficult?

“Has walking or wearing shoes become too painful?
“Are your favorite shoes off-limits because of ongoing bunion pain?”
“Is your foot pain making you less physically active and limiting your social activities?”

Here's What Can Happen If You Delay Addressing This Problem

Unfortunately, bunions will not shrink on their own. And they often get worse over time. If you don't take action now, you're likely to continue missing out on the activities you love. Engaging in daily activities can become more challenging. Don't let bunion pain steal another day of your life.

Bunion Pain Specialist North Seattle

Let Me Help You!

I understand how painful and limiting bunions can be. That's why over the past 40 years, I’ve dedicated myself to providing conservative bunion treatment to patients in Seattle. And when conservative treatment no longer works, we can talk about your options for bunion surgery. I've helped hundreds of patients like you walk comfortably again.

Why Patients Get Bunion Treatment From Dr. Berg:

40+ years of podiatric expertise
Specialized expertise in bunion treatment
Conservative treatment first
On-site orthotics lab for faster adjustments and immediate relief of your bunions
Computerized gait analysis
Board-certified in foot surgery

What Are Bunions?

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of your big toe that develops when the toe shifts out of position. This misalignment typically results from years of pressure on the joint, often caused by overpronation (common in people with flat feet). Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe, causing more irritation and inflammation.

While bunions start small, they can get worse over time. If your bunions are becoming more painful, it's time to take action.

What Causes Bunions and Bunion Pain?

As the big toe angles toward the other toes, it creates friction against footwear and can eventually overlap the third toe, causing irritation and inflammation. X-rays reveal two key changes: the big toe moving toward the second toe, and the first metatarsal bone separating from the second metatarsal.

The joint becomes hypermobile (moves excessively), causing progressive separation between the first and second metatarsal bones. This allows the big toe to drift further toward the smaller toes.

While bunions aren’t hereditary, you can inherit a foot type that puts you at risk for developing them. These foot types include:

Flat feet
High arches
Tendency to overpronate or roll your foot inward when you walk.

Other things that can lead to the development of bunions:

Foot injuries
Neuromuscular problems
Wearing shoes that are tight, too narrow in the toe box, or high heels

If you have bunions, you're not alone. Bunions occur in approximately 33% of the population in Western countries.

Many people with bunions experience discomfort and pain from constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Over time the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult—all contributing to chronic pain.

It's important to get bunions treated as they can also put you at greater risk for:

Hammertoe
Bursitis and arthritis
Bone spurs
Osteoarthritis

Treatment Options for Bunion: Conservative vs. Surgical

Many people wonder if they need surgery for bunions. While surgery is certainly an option for advanced bunions, at the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City we offer many conservative treatments for patients with a milder form of the condition.

Conservative Treatment for Bunions in North Seattle

Because they are bone deformities, bunions and Tailor's bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is two-fold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritation, and second to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement.

Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:

Protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
Changing to footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth (see blog link below for more information).
Orthotic devices—both over-the-counter and custom made—to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis

Make an Appointment

Bunion Surgery in North Seattle

You might wonder if you're a candidate for bunion surgery. Here at the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City we use conservative measures before we consider surgery, as all surgery comes with risks. However, we do recommend surgery when all other treatments have failed to provide pain relief or prevent progressive damage for the patient. In addition, bunion surgery or a bunionectomy may be the best option for patients who feel they can't ever have the quality of life they seek without it.

How Do You Know When it's Time to Get Surgery for Your Bunions?

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. Are my bunions more painful?

As bunions progress, they often become more painful. If this is a problem for you and you've tried other solutions it's probably time to reopen the surgery conversation.

2. Has it become more difficult to wear shoes?

You're sick and tired of not being able to wear the shoes you want to wear.

3. How much are my bunions impacting my quality of life?

You're tired of being stuck at home when your family or friends go for a walk or a hike. If you have activities you love and can no longer do them--that might tilt the scales to yes, rather than wait.

What Are My Options for Bunion Surgery?

A variety of surgical procedures are available to treat bunions called bunionectomies. The procedures are designed to remove the “bump” of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot, and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of surgery is the reduction of pain.

In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your situation, Dr. Berg (our foot and ankle surgeon) will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the x-ray findings, your age, your activity level, and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.

What You Need to Know About Bunion Surgery

Dr. Rion Berg has over 40 years of experience with bunion surgery. Because a deep understanding of the biomechanics of each patient's foot as well as the intricacies of each surgical option is needed, surgeons with more experience at doing bunionectomies are better able to help each patient achieve the best outcome.
Be realistic in your expectation about what a bunionectomy can accomplish. Bunion surgery can reduce or eliminate the bone deformity, improve foot alignment and function, and prevent damage to other toes, but it does have its limitations. Be sure you understand all the possibilities before opting for this surgery.
Healing times can vary. Although many patients can achieve healing and recovery in 6-8 weeks, patient age, foot type, and extent of surgery can extend the healing process.
Additional treatments may be needed. Surgery alone may not be all that is needed to achieve your best outcome. Physical therapy and use of custom orthotics may be necessary.

Make an Appointment

Can I Have A Bunion Near My Pinky Toe?

While the majority of bunions occur next to the big toe there is one type of bunion that develops next to your pinky toe--a Tailor's Bunion or a bunionette. Why Tailor's Bunion? Long ago when tailors sat cross-legged all day the outside edge of their feet rubbed against the ground. This led to the bump that is now their namesake. Although we are no longer cross-legged tailors we can inherit the structural abnormality that leads to developing this condition. The bone on the side of the little toe moves outward while the toe moves inward causing the bump. Sometime the bump is actually a bone spur.

Preventing Bunions

While you can't prevent bunions, you can prevent them from getting worse.

Choose A Lower Heel Height

Lowering your heel height will make a big difference in stopping the progression of bunions. Higher shoes place more pressure on the ball of the foot and the forming bunion. Lower heels relieve that pressure. Choose shoes that are one inch or lower.

Choose A Wider Toe Box

Choosing a wider toe box will prevent the toes from cramping and relieve pressure on the ball of the foot.

Choose Shoes With A Closed Back

Open back clogs or slides are very popular; however, they are the wrong type of shoe if you have bunions. When your foot is not in a securely fittng shoe, more pressure is applied to the front of the foot. Keep open backed shoes for home, not for walking.

Wear Your Orthotics

It's important to wear your orthotics all the time because in addition to aligning your feet, they can prevent your bunions from getting worse.

FAQs

Are Bunions Genetic?

While bunions are not hereditary, you can inherit a foot structure that often leads to them. Most notable are flat feet, but foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, and pronated feet can also contribute to their formation. In addition, wearing shoes that are too tight, high heels, and shoes with a narrow toe box can all contribute to the progression of bunions. It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries.

How Do You Shrink A Bunion Naturally?

Unfortunately, once you have a bunion you can’t shrink it unless you have surgery. However, there are several things you can do to prevent it from getting worse and relieving the pain.

Make Wise Footwear Choices: Wear shoes and boots that don’t put added pressure on the ball of your foot such as:
- A heel that is one inch or lower
- Shoes with a wider toe box
- Shoes with good arch support
- Footwear with a closed back.
- Shoes with stretchy upper can help reduce the pressure on your bunion. It’s important to make sure these shoes are supportive.
Wear Your Orthotics Consistently: Most people who develop bunions have flat feet, feet that pronate, or foot injuries that can cause misalignment of the foot. Wearing custom orthotics daily can help prevent your bunions from progressing.
Use Protective Padding: special padding can help prevent friction and pain between your bunions and your shoes

What Patients Are Saying About Bunion Treatment and Surgery at the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City

Jamie J. from Stanwood, WA: "I had both bunions removed with surgery and Dr. Berg did a fantastic job. I am only 21 years old so I have much more time on my feet. He is a great doctor to work with and very passionate about his job. After having bunions since I could remember and pain for a handful of years, I have no pain and can wear shoes I want to wear. Highly trust him and his staff."
Jim A. from Kenmore: "Saw Dr. berg for what turned out to be 'plantar fasciitis' on my left heel and a bunion on my right foot. He recommended orthotics before considering surgery. He explained clearly what the problems were, and how best to deal with them. Have been in the orthotics for one week now and the pain is lessening. His staff were good and his equipment impressive. I would recommend this doctor."
Anonymous Patient: "After having bunions since I could remember and pain for a handful of years, I have no pain and can wear shoes I want to wear. Highly trust him and his staff."

For more information about bunions and related problems: