Bunions
Bunions can interfere with your comfort, mobility, and ability to wear everyday shoes without pain. At Pomona Valley Podiatry, Dr. Brian O’Neill performs a thorough evaluation of your foot structure and alignment to accurately diagnose the condition and its severity. His goal is to relieve pain, correct imbalance, and help you move comfortably and confidently again.
What are Bunions?
A bunion is a deformity affecting the big toe joint. Misalignment causes the big toe to shift toward the second toe and the joint to protrude outward. Clinically known as Hallux Valgus, it is a progressive condition involving lateral deviation of the great toe and medial deviation of the first metatarsal (foot bone), often caused by inherited foot structure, pressure, injury, or footwear that places excessive strain on the joint. Symptoms commonly include a visible bump at the base of the big toe, swelling and inflammation, pain when walking or wearing tight shoes, restricted movement, numbness due to nerve pressure, and the development of calluses or corns.
Common symptoms of Bunions
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- A visible bump on the side of the big toe joint
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- Swelling and inflammation around that joint
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- Pain or soreness, especially when walking or wearing tight shoes
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- Numbness in some cases due to nerve pressure
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- Restricted movement of the big toe
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- Calluses or corns (often where the big toe overlaps the second toe)
How We Treat Bunions
Bunions are diagnosed by a physical examination of the big toe joint’s alignment and symptoms. This is often confirmed with weight-bearing X-rays to assess bone structure and the severity of the deformity. Mild cases are typically treated with wider footwear, protective padding, and activity modifications to reduce pressure on the joint. More advanced cases may require custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, or surgical correction if symptoms persist or the deformity worsens.
Why choose
Pomona Valley Podiatry?
At Pomona Valley Podiatry, care for bunions focuses on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying structural causes of the condition. Dr. Brian O’Neill understands how bunions can impact your daily comfort and long-term foot health. He develops personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Whether through conservative care or corrective procedures, his approach is designed to restore alignment, reduce pain, and help you maintain healthy, pain-free movement.