Bunions: When To Call A Doctor

Content provided by Healthwise

When To Call a Doctor

Call your health professional if:

• You have severe pain in your big toe that interferes with walking or daily activities.
• Your big toe begins to overlap your second toe (displacement ).
• You have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease and the skin over a bunion is irritated, red, or broken. Diabetes and peripheral arterial disease can reduce blood circulation and sensation in your feet. Infection can develop more quickly and may lead to other serious problems.
• Pain in your big toe does not get better after 2 to 3 weeks of home treatment.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting may be appropriate if bunion pain is not severe. In this case, try home treatment, such as using ice to relieve pain or wearing comfortable footwear. If there is no improvement after 2 to 3 weeks of home treatment, call your health professional.

Who To See

Symptoms of a bunion can be evaluated and treated by:

• Family medicine doctors.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Internal medicine doctors (internists).
• Podiatrists, who also provide surgical bunion treatment.
• Orthopedists, who primarily provide surgical treatment.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	March 06, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC