Bunions

What Is a Bunion?

Plantar heel pain, also known as plantar fasciopathy, is a broad term describing discomfort or pain in the bottom of the heel. This condition typically involves the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. When this tissue becomes irritated, inflamed, or degenerates due to overuse or strain, it can cause significant heel pain.

This condition commonly affects middle-aged adults, active individuals, runners, and people who spend long hours on their feet. It can also occur in children aged 8-13 who are increasingly active in sports. The pain is often most severe with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Common causes include: prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, improper footwear, excessive foot pronation (rolling inward), sudden increase in physical activity, being overweight, and biomechanical abnormalities in foot structure.

Symptoms of Bunion

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, caused by joint misalignment. It can progress over time if unmanaged.

• Visible bump on side of big toe joint
• Toe drifting inward big toe leaning toward other toes
• Pain with shoes pressure causes redness and irritation
• Joint stiffnessreduced toe motion
• Swelling/inflammationaround the joint
• Callusesdue to friction and pressure points

How We Diagnose Bunion

We assess severity, joint alignment, mobility, and footwear impact to build a long-term plan.

How We Treat Bunion

Evidence-based treatments to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore function

Why Early Treatment Matters

Seeking treatment early for plantar heel pain is crucial for preventing the condition from becoming chronic and more difficult to treat. When left untreated, heel pain can lead to:

• Chronic pain that persists for months or even years
• Compensatory problems in your knees, hips, and lower back due to altered walking patterns
• Reduced mobility and difficulty performing daily activities
• Decreased quality of life and inability to participate in sports or exercise
• Development of heel spurs or other structural changes in the foot

Early intervention allows us to address the root cause of your heel pain and implement effective treatments before the condition worsens. Most patients experience significant improvement within weeks when treatment begins promptly.

Why Choose Our Clinic for Bunion Treatment?