Treatment Options for Bunions

If you suffer from bunions, you may have difficulty finding comfortable shoes or even walking. Treatment for this condition will depend on how severe the bunions are. The first thing to do is to talk to a podiatrist about your options. Dr. Barry Finkelstein is a podiatrist at the NYNJ Foot and Ankle Center, located in Bronx, NY. He is happy to discuss any problems you are having with your feet, and how to treat your bunions.

Conservative Treatment for Bunions

Dr. Finkelstein offers Bronx residents non-surgical treatments that may help to relieve the pain of bunions. These include:

• Replace your shoes: You should wear shoes that have a roomy toe box and don’t compress your feet.

• Use bunion padding: You may find that over-the-counter cushioning pads can alleviate pressure on your bunions.

• Take pain relievers: Often, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to control bunion pain.

• Try shoe inserts: Padded show inserts may help to distribute the pressure more evenly as you walk or move your feet.

Surgical Treatment for Bunions

If you have tried the more conservative treatment methods without having any relief, you may need surgery. There are several surgical options for bunions, which one your podiatrist recommends will depend upon the severity and symptoms of your condition. They may include:

• Removal of the inflamed tissue surrounding the big toe joint
• Removal of part of the big toe joint to straighten the toe
• Realignment of bone in the forefoot
• Fusion of the affected joint bones

If you have surgery from bunions, you will be able to walk on your foot immediately after the procedure, but full recovery can take up to several months.

If you are suffering from foot discomfort from bunions, and you live in the Bronx, call Dr. Finkelstein today on (718) 881-7990 to schedule an appointment.

Looking for relief from a long-standing foot problem? At NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, your podiatrist, Dr. Barry Finkelstein, helps patients regain foot health, form, and function with innovative foot surgeries. From ingrown toenail removal to ankle replacement, Dr. Finkelstein is an expert in today's podiatric procedures, helping scores of people feel better.

When conservative treatments can't work

That's when you need foot surgery, according to the American Podiatric Medical Assocation (APMA). Shoe changes, splinting, physical therapy, and more help many children, teens, and adults regain podiatric health, without more invasive procedures.

However, sometimes surgery is warranted as revealed by your podiatrist in his Bronx, NY, office by careful visual exam, digital X-rays, MRIs, and computerized gait analysis. Then, less complex interventions support the operated foot and speed healing.

Times you may need foot surgery

There are many situations which require in-office or in-hospital surgery. They include:

• Ingrown toenail removal: This pertains to either the mechanical or chemical removal of a nail that has grown into the skin, relieving pain/infection and keeping the offending nail from growing back.
• Ankle stabilization or replacement: These in-hospital procedures help patients with repeated or severe ankle sprains and/or joint destruction due to arthritis.
• Tendon surgery: To repair, lengthen, or shorten connective tissue to relieve pain and increase function.
• Neuroma removal: This excises small, benign tumors typically between the third and fourth toes (Morton's Neuromas).
• Bunionectomy: To remove a painful, bony bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. It also re-aligns the toe if needed.
• Hammertoe reconstruction: Wires or implants straighten these claw-like deformities and improve joint mobility.
• Corn and callus removal: These hardened areas of skin frequently appear on the little toe, ball of the foot or other areas of increased pressure or friction (as with bunions). They require excision in extreme cases

Your customized plan

If you need foot surgery, count on the team at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates to personalize your treatment plan for best foot form, function, mobility, and pain relief. Dr. Finkelstein is your go-to podiatrist in the Bronx, NY, area. Contact our office for a consultation on any podiatric issue: (718) 881-7990.

One of the most vital aspects of diabetes management is proper foot care. After all, diabetes elevates your risk of developing bunions, calluses, ulcers, blisters, and all kinds of foot issues. Besides, having high blood sugar levels mean that these seemingly minor injuries can easily open up your body to disabling and extremely severe infections. Fortunately, there are lots of solutions for sensitive, achy feet. Aside from expert recommendations from your foot doctor, Dr. Barry Finkelstein of the NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, here are some practical foot care guidelines to help you out.

Examine Your Feet Daily for Sores, Wounds, and Cracks

A common diabetes complication is nerve damage, which can make it difficult for you to feel cracks or sores in your feet. Make it a habit to check daily for changes in your feet’s color, cracked or dry skin, or sores.

Get Your Blood Sugar Levels in Check to Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy

Excessively high blood sugar levels cause neuropathy, so you need to keep your blood sugar levels in check to ensure that your feet will stay healthy. Likewise, keep in mind that if you already suffer from an infection, elevated blood sugar levels could make it tougher for your body to combat it.

Ensure That Your Feet are Always Dry and Moisturized to Lower Your Risk of Developing Infections

The spaces between your toes are airtight, which means that if they’re always moist, bacteria can easily thrive there and cause an infection. Always dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, paying close attention to those spaces between your toes. Additionally, always moisturize your feet after washing to prevent dry and cracked skin, which can also cause infections. Just don’t put any moisturizer between your toes.

Always Go to Your Podiatrist for Feet Concerns

If you notice anything abnormal occurring to your feet, visit your foot doctor in Bronx, NY, rather seeking out a drugstore remedy. Take note that certain products might be too irritating for your feet and could even raise your risk of developing infections.
 

Worried about The State of Your Feet?

Arrange a consultation with our foot doctor, Dr. Barry Finkelstein, here at the NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, by calling (718) 881-7990 today.

Have you been struggling with heel pain? Here at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, your foot doctor, Dr. Barry Finkelstein, can help you find relief and receive a proper diagnosis for your podiatric issues.

What Causes a Painful Heel?

Your plantar fascia serves as a shock absorber, which is why repetitive stress and uneven weight distribution can induce irritation, inflammation, and stiffness. You may notice increased pain when stepping out of bed in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The most common cause of heel pain often relates to faulty foot structure, such as flat feet, or overly high arches. However, it can also result from obesity, overuse, sprains, heel spurs, and wearing non-supportive footwear.

Can I Prevent Heel Pain?

Not all cases of heel pain are preventable, but fortunately, most are. To avoid injury to the heel, make sure to stretch before exercising, walking, and especially running. You should also wear shoes that adequately support the foot during these physical activities. Your feet will also benefit from a healthy diet as well as a healthy weight, so unnecessary stress isn't placed on the ligaments.

Find Relief From Your Heel Pain

Here at our Bronx office, our foot doctor utilizes safe, effective, and minimally invasive radiofrequency treatments to alleviate severe or chronic symptoms. For mild-to-moderate pain, after performing a physical foot examination during your initial visit, we may recommend limiting activities to give your heel a rest, as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and custom orthotic devices that fit into your shoes.

For more information about heel pain, conditions we treat, and services provided, visit our website. To schedule an appointment with NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in the Bronx, please call (718) 881-7990.

A bunion is a common foot deformity that affects the function and alignment of the big toe’s joint, and it’s one of the most common problems that our Bronx, NY, podiatrist Dr. Barry Finkelstein treats. Do you feel like every time you put your feet into shoes that your bunion causes you pain and discomfort? If so, it might be enough for you to decide that it’s time to do something about your bunion. Read on to learn how Dr. Finkelstein can help your foot issues.

Treating a Bunion without Surgery

Most people can manage their symptoms and even prevent pain without ever needing bunion surgery. The sooner a bunion is caught the sooner you can start implementing useful habits into your daily routine to reduce bunion problems.

Some nonsurgical treatment options include:

Wearing Proper Footwear

While you can’t reverse a bunion, you can prevent it from getting worse. To avoid putting pressure on the bunion, wear shoes that are properly fitted to your foot and have a wide toe box Also, avoid any heels that are over 2 inches tall.

Splinting or Bracing

Talk to your Bronx, NY, foot specialist about whether you could benefit from splinting the bunion. There are certain over-the-counter spacers that can help realign the joint and reduce pain and pressure, particularly while you sleep. While these devices won’t correct the deformity they can reduce pain in the morning.

Applying a Bunion Pad

To protect a bunion while wearing shoes, you may choose to apply a non-medicated pad over the area. This can also prevent unnecessary friction when walking in shoes and prevent the formation of a callus. You can easily find these bunion pads at your local drugstore.

When to Consider Surgery

Surgery is only necessary if you are dealing with severe, debilitating symptoms that aren’t responding to at-home care and affect your daily routine. If you feel that your bunion needs extra attention, call our Bronx office today.

Need Relief? Give Us a Call

Dealing with bunion pain? Turn to the team at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, to find out how to best treat your bunion symptoms. Our number is (718) 881-7990.