New York is a walking city, and a bunion can put a real cramp in your step. Vito La Puma, DPM, and the experienced podiatric team at Healthy Step Podiatry, with an office in Midtown East and the Financial District of New York City, provides the most advanced care for bunions and can relieve your discomfort and stop the progression of your foot deformity. For expert care of all your foot needs from a team that wants every step you take to be your best, call the office today or request an appointment online.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a foot deformity that develops when your big toe moves out of place, forcing the joint at the base of your toe to enlarge and stick out. The bump at the base of your toe may cause inflammation and pain, especially when you’re wearing shoes that don’t provide enough room for the deformity.
Common symptoms of a bunion include:
- Hallmark bulging bump at the base joint of your big toe
- Persistent pain
- Calluses and corns where big toe and second toe overlap
- Swelling and redness at the joint
Your other toes can also develop these bony deformities, which are referred to as bunionettes.
While you can live with bunions, you should have them evaluated by the podiatric experts at Healthy Step Podiatry to help prevent a worsening of your deformity.
What causes bunions?
Doctors aren’t sure what causes bunions to develop, but there are many factors that may play a role. You may be more at risk of developing the foot deformity if you have:
- Congenital foot deformity
- A family history of bunions
- Prior foot injury
While doctors disagree as to whether high-heels or tight shoes cause bunions, wearing these fashionable shoes may increase your risk of developing the foot deformity.
Many people with bunions can live with permanent foot deformity without any problems. However, a bunion may increase your risk of bursitis or the development of a hammertoe.
What is the treatment for bunions?
Treatment for your bunion depends on the severity of your deformity and your symptoms. The specialists at Healthy Step Podiatry create individualized treatment plans to help you get the most relief from your bunion symptoms. Your specialist may initially take a conservative approach to manage your bunion, such as:
- Shoe inserts to redistribute pressure
- Taping your foot into a normal position
- Use of ice and over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation
If conservative measures fail to reduce your discomfort or your deformity worsens, your specialist may recommend bunion surgery. The experts at Healthy Step Podiatry use the most advanced surgical procedures available and can fix your bunion using a discrete surgical incision that no one can see (referred to as the bikini line incision), which improves the look and feel of your feet with very little scarring.
For expert care of your bunion from a team who wants every step you take to be the best, call Healthy Step Podiatry today or request an appointment online.