Bunion Treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada

A bunion rarely appears overnight. It builds slowly, and by the time shoes start to hurt, the joint has usually been shifting for years. Eastern Podiatry treats bunions at every stage, from simple padding to the reconstructive surgery our doctors are specifically trained in.

What is a bunion

A bunion is a bony bump at the base joint of the big toe, the metatarsophalangeal joint. It forms as that joint enlarges and drifts inward, crowding the neighboring toes; sometimes far enough that the big toe overlaps the second. A smaller version on the pinkie side is called a bunionette. Because this joint carries so much of your weight when you walk, a bunion can make standing, walking, and finding comfortable shoes genuinely difficult.

Why bunions form

Foot type is largely inherited, so the mechanics that lead to bunions often run in families. Anyone who repeatedly stresses that joint in an abnormal way can develop one, and tight or pointed shoes speed things along.

What you’ll notice

• Pain or ongoing soreness at the base of the big toe
• Redness over the bump
• Burning when you stand or walk
• Numbness when you stand or walk

Symptoms are usually worst in shoes that squeeze the toes. High heels and pointed toes are notorious for it.

Treatment, from conservative to surgical

After diagnosing your bunion, your Eastern Podiatry doctor builds a plan around your symptoms. If it isn’t causing real trouble, we may simply monitor it with periodic exams and X-rays. When it’s painful, conservative options come first:

• Footwear changes: Trading tight toe boxes for wide ones that give the toes room
• Bunion pads: Soft pads applied before you put your shoes on
• Ice: Applied to the bunion to calm symptoms
• Custom orthotics: To help reposition the big toe and offload the joint
• Activity adjustments: Easing off the movements that flare it up
• Oral medication: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Dafforn can surgically remove the bony prominence and correct the deformity behind it, an area of advanced training for both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a bunion go away on its own?

No. Bunions are structural and tend to progress. Conservative care relieves symptoms, but only surgery removes the bump.

Do I have to have surgery?

Not necessarily. Many bunions are managed comfortably with orthotics, footwear changes, and other conservative measures. Surgery is for when pain limits daily life.

Can better shoes actually help?

Yes. Roomy, supportive shoes won’t reverse a bunion, but they reduce pressure, ease pain, and can slow its progression.

What is bunion surgery like at Eastern Podiatry?

Our doctors are trained in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and tailor the procedure to your specific deformity. We’ll walk you through what to expect and the recovery timeline.

Related Services

Hammertoes  |  Orthotics  |  Neuromas

Request an appointment.

Call Eastern Podiatry at (702) 434-2023 or request online. 3777 Pecos-McLeod Interconnect, Suite 103, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM.