Susie Schallert, 46, was told to go slow as a teen when her feet stopped growing and bunions started to reshape her toes.

That’s when the Van Nuys womandecided to undergo a surgical process to remove her bunions on her feet, and continue her dedication of dancing.

“They’re bad, they’re bad. She has toes on top of toes and bunions that look like golf balls on the sides, and the joints are gone. Can you imagine?” said Susie’s older sister, Patty. The postoperative procedure was a success. Four pins were placed in Susie’s foot. Susie will also be considering having a total joint replacement procedure in her foot.

Bunions themselves are a common problem people face, and can make it difficult for one to walk or move. If you are experiencing toe pain or foot pain that you think might be related to bunions, it is recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Nicholas Crismali of Crismali Foot & Ankle.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth enlargement, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big to become inflamed and often painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

· Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary, particularly among Caucasians
· Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that place undue stress on feet, such as heels and stilettos, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists knowledgeable in anatomy and foot structure can be able to diagnose bunions through the following two methods:

· Blood Tests – to help rule out other conditions while finding underlying causes to bunions, especially from disease
· If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Hesperia, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read the full article on Bunions.