When should I call my doctor if I have bunions?

You should call your doctor if your bunions are causing you pain or changing the way you walk or exercise. There are some limited treatments for bunions. But the first step is diagnosis and making sure no other conditions are contributing to your problem. 

A bunion is a bony bump on the inner side of your foot, at the base of your big (first) toe. It causes your big toe to turn inward, toward your other toes, and it can cause foot pain and stiffness. If a shoe or something else rubs or presses on the bunion often, it may become swollen, tender and red. Bunion treatment usually includes avoiding things that rub against the bunion, icing it and taking pain medication. Foot stretches and exercises may also help, and some people may need to wear a brace when they sleep. Some people may need bunion surgery.

Do you ever need to call your doctor about a bunion? Sometimes! Call your doc if your symptoms get worse or don't get better after two weeks of treatment, or if you have new symptoms. If you've had bunion surgery, and have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away:

• Fever or chills
• Pain that gets worse
• Redness, swelling or warmth in the area
• Fluid or pus that drains from the area
• Loose or wet bandages
• Bleeding
• Side effects from medications