Medford Foot & Ankle Clinic, P.C., in Medford, OR, serves patients from Grants Pass and Central Point, OR, with care for painful foot conditions that affect walking, shoes, and daily comfort. Bunions can create a visible bump near the base of the big toe, but the problem involves more than appearance because the joint shifts out of alignment over time.

A bunion forms when the big toe joint moves out of its normal position and the big toe angles toward the second toe. This shift creates pressure against shoes and can lead to redness, swelling, soreness, and difficulty walking. As the joint changes, some patients also develop overlapping toes, hammertoes, thickened skin, calluses, or corns from repeated rubbing.

Foot structure often plays a major role. People may inherit a foot type that makes the joint less stable, even though they do not inherit the bunion itself. Flat feet, excessive pronation, prior foot injuries, arthritis, and certain neuromuscular conditions can also contribute. Tight shoes and narrow toe boxes often worsen symptoms by pressing the toes together and increasing friction.

Patients should schedule a podiatry visit when pain limits walking, shoes feel uncomfortable, swelling persists, or the big toe starts crowding the smaller toes. We also recommend an exam when corns, calluses, or skin irritation develop over the bump or between the toes.

We evaluate foot structure, joint motion, skin changes, shoe fit, gait, and the severity of the deformity. In some cases, we may use X-rays to see how far the joint has shifted and determine the best treatment plan.

Our first goal involves reducing pressure and pain. We may recommend wider shoes, protective padding, anti-inflammatory measures, custom orthotics, stretching, splints, or activity adjustments. Orthotics can help stabilize the foot and improve mechanics during standing and walking.

When pressure creates corns, we can safely trim thickened skin in the office and reduce irritation with padding, toe spacers, or shoe changes. Patients should not cut corns at home, especially if they have diabetes, poor circulation, or numbness. If conservative care no longer controls pain or the deformity continues to progress, we may discuss surgical correction to realign the toe and reduce the bony prominence.

Medford Foot & Ankle Clinic, P.C., in Medford, OR, welcomes patients from Grants Pass and Central Point, OR, who need evaluation and treatment for bunions, corns, shoe pressure, and related foot pain. To schedule an appointment, call (541) 770-1225.