What are Bunions and How are They Treated?

Find out if your foot problems could be due to this deformity.bunions

Many people develop bunions, which are a foot deformity that develops slowly over time. If you are noticing pain or other changes in the shape of your foot then you may be wondering what’s going on. Our Bronx, NY, podiatrist Dr. Barry Finkelstein is here to tell you more about bunions and how to keep their symptoms under control.

What are bunions?

A bunion is a structural deformity that affects joints in the foot. While a bunion can develop on any joint it is most commonly found at the joint that is located at the base of the big toe. If you look at this big toe joint you can see that the bone slightly juts out naturally.

Of course, if you have a bunion this joint will stick out more prominently than in a foot that doesn’t have a bunion. As the deformity progresses it can even cause the big toe to lean inward toward the other toes.

How are bunions treated?

The only way to repair a bunion is with surgery, but as our Bronx, NY foot doctor will tell you, getting bunion surgery is only necessary if you are in severe pain or if the bunion is so severe that even walking around causes you problems.

In most cases, bunion symptoms can easily be managed with simple day-to-day measures. For one, make sure that the shoes you wear don’t bunch up your toes or put pressure on the bunion. Once you have a bunion, the shoes you wear become particularly important. You want shoes that have a low heel (high heels can exacerbate your condition) and that offer enough cushioning and support.

Splinting or bracing the foot can also improve the alignment of the foot, which can help alleviate symptoms and take pressure off of the bunion when standing or walking.

When should I visit a doctor?

If you suspect that you have a bunion but don’t actually know then the best thing you can do is to schedule an evaluation with us. We can run X-rays and perform a thorough physical exam to determine whether you are dealing with a bunion or something else. The sooner we get to the bottom of your symptoms the sooner we can create a treatment plan that will effectively eliminate your issues.

NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, is dedicated to providing the very best in foot care services. Whether you think you have a bunion or you are dealing with other foot issues, we are here to help. Schedule your consultation with us today.

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NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates

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