Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe, where the joint shifts out of alignment. It gets bigger over time if you ignore it — but early intervention can slow progression and reduce pain without surgery.
Symptoms
- Visible bump on the outside of the big toe joint
- Swelling, redness, or soreness around the joint
- Restricted movement of the big toe
- Pain that worsens with tight shoes or prolonged standing
- Corns or calluses where the first and second toes rub
Who Gets It
Bunions develop from a combination of genetics and footwear. If your parents had bunions, you're more likely to develop them. Tight, narrow shoes accelerate the problem but don't cause it alone. Women develop bunions more often than men, largely due to narrower shoe styles.
Austin's casual culture is actually foot-friendly — but fashionable footwear at events, festivals, or nights out on Sixth Street can accelerate bunion progression in people already predisposed. Early evaluation gives you more options before the condition limits what you can wear.
Treatment
Dr. Wokasien's approach starts conservative:
- Padding and taping to reduce pressure on the joint
- Custom orthotics to correct the underlying biomechanics
- Footwear recommendations that give the toe box enough room
- Anti-inflammatory medication for acute pain episodes
- Exercises to maintain joint mobility
When a bunion causes persistent pain that limits daily activity and conservative measures haven't helped, surgical correction is an option. Dr. Wokasien performs bunion surgery at four Austin-area hospitals with decades of experience.
When to Call
Bunions don't reverse on their own. The earlier you address the alignment, the more options you have. Call (512) 250-0444 to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bunion keep getting worse?
Without intervention, yes — most bunions progress slowly over time. The rate varies by genetics, footwear habits, and activity level. Conservative treatment can slow progression significantly, but it won't reverse the deformity that's already formed.
Can I avoid surgery?
Many patients manage bunions for years with conservative measures — proper footwear, orthotics, and periodic padding. Surgery becomes the conversation when pain is limiting daily activity and nothing else is working. Dr. Wokasien starts with every non-surgical option first.
What makes footwear better or worse for bunions?
The toe box is the key factor. Shoes with a wide, rounded toe box reduce pressure on the joint. Pointed-toe shoes and high heels push the toes into positions that aggravate the deformity. Dr. Wokasien can recommend specific shoe characteristics to look for.
How long is recovery from bunion surgery?
Recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks for basic walking, with full recovery in 3-6 months depending on the procedure. Dr. Wokasien will walk you through what to expect before you commit to anything. The goal is lasting correction, not a quick fix.
My teenager has a bunion. Should we treat it now?
Yes — earlier is better. A mild bunion in a teenager has more conservative treatment options than an advanced one in adulthood. Getting an evaluation doesn't mean committing to anything, but it gives you information while you still have the most choices.
Are custom orthotics worth it for bunions?
For many patients, yes. Custom orthotics address the biomechanical forces that caused the bunion to form in the first place. They can slow progression and reduce pain more effectively than off-the-shelf insoles, which don't account for your specific foot structure.
Can bunions come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible, particularly if the underlying biomechanics aren't corrected. Dr. Wokasien pairs surgical correction with orthotic management when appropriate to reduce that risk.