Bunion

Toetal Podiatry

Podiatry & Foot and Ankle Surgery located in Financial District, New York, NY

Bunions are bones in your foot that are pushing out to form a painful lump at the base of your big toe. If you have a bunion, don't wait for it to become a serious problem before consulting Yekaterina Grauer, DPM, and Vera Malezhik, DPM, of Toetal Podiatry. At their office in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York City, the experienced podiatrists provide effective nonsurgical treatments and advanced surgeries for bunions. Call Toetal Podiatry today to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment using the online form.

Bunion Q&A

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a lump that develops at the base of your big toe, where the joint meets the ball of your foot. The problem begins when the metatarsal bone behind the joint comes under pressure, forcing it to project out to the side and form a bony lump.

Bunions are more likely to affect you if you wear high-heeled shoes that add extra stress to the joint. Other factors that increase your risk of developing bunions include:

  • Big toe that angles inward
  • Family history of bunions
  • Poor foot structure
  • Arthritis in your feet
  • Different length legs

In their earlier stages, bunions are more unsightly than anything else, but they become increasingly painful as they develop. Wearing shoes can be particularly uncomfortable as the bunions press into the side of the shoe, which worsens the inflammation.

The skin over your bunion gets tighter, redder, and shinier, and can be tender to touch, too. Left untreated, bunions can become so painful that it's difficult to walk.

What are the treatments for my bunion?

Initial treatments for your bunion might include:

  • Pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medications
  • Applying ice packs
  • Padding or splinting your foot
  • Cortisone injections

Custom orthotics are also of great benefit for many patients who have a bunion. Orthotics are inserts that you put in your shoes to support your foot and relieve the pressure on your bunion.

Toetal Podiatry provides custom orthotics made to your unique requirements.

Would I need surgery for my bunion?

In the majority of cases, timely treatment of a bunion means you can avoid surgery. However, if your bunion is severe or doesn't improve using conservative methods, surgery might be necessary.

It's possible to reduce the size of your bunion by shaving some of the bone, but in time your bunion is likely to return. For that reason, it's often better to address the alignment problem responsible for the bunion's formation.

The best method for you depends on factors like your age, general health, lifestyle, and the structure of your foot. There are several options available:

Osteotomy

First, the Toetal Podiatry team breaks the metatarsal bone and realigns it. Then they loosen the inside ligaments and tighten the outside ligaments securing the bone to help keep the joint properly aligned.

Arthrodesis

Arthrodesis is an extensive correction involving the fusion of the bones in your toe joint. Screws or metal plates hold the bones in position while they fuse. After bunion surgery, you follow an early return to mobilization program to optimize your recovery.

Find relief from bunion pain by calling Toetal Podiatry today, or you can book an appointment online.