Are You Struggling with Bunions?

Bunions are an unfortunately common foot condition, especially among older adults and women who have a habit of wearing snug-fitting high heels. If you have been struggling with the agony and inconvenience of this condition, William J. Weissinger DPM, your podiatrist in Huntington, NY, has a variety of solutions to help ease your symptoms—read on to learn how!

Symptoms

Podiatrists describe bunions as hard, bony lumps that form on the side of the big toe. These bumps are visible and demonstrate bone structure changes taking place in the front part of the foot. As this change takes place, the big toe often leans toward the second toe, rather than forward.

If you notice a bump forming at the base of your big toe, this is the primary symptom of a bunion. Other symptoms that may occur at the bunion site are:

• Numbness
• Pain and swelling
• A burning sensation
• Redness
• Restriction of movement in the toe

Bunions may become aggravated when walking and can make putting on your shoes a difficult task.

What Causes Bunions to Form?

• A foot injury or trauma
• Types of arthritis
• Genetic bone deformity
• Occupational foot stress
• Wearing tight, narrow shoes

Bunions are much more common in women than men because women are more likely to wear shoes that are too narrow and squeeze the toes.

Non-surgical Treatment Options

Early treatment aims to ease the pain of bunions, as elimination of the deformity isn't usually necessary at this stage. Alternatives to surgery include:

• Custom orthotic devices to stabilize the foot
• Icing to reduce pain and soreness
• Corticosteroid injection therapy to decrease inflammation
• Padding to minimize discomfort

Once Dr. Weissinger evaluates your bunion, he will them map out the treatment plan.

When is Surgery Recommended?

For severe cases in which a bunion does not respond to non-surgical treatment, your podiatrist will explore the possibility of surgery. When the pain begins to interfere with everyday activities, we may suggest one or more of the following surgical procedures:

• Aligning the big toe and the foot
• Removing swollen tissue around the toe joint
• Fusing the toe joint with the swollen tissue
• Removing a small amount of bone in the big toe

If your foot requires surgical correction, we will thoroughly discuss the operation with you from start to finish and address any questions or concerns that you may have.

Need Relief? Give Us a Call

If you notice a bunion forming on your foot, and the pain is becoming too much to bear, schedule a consultation with William J. Weissinger DPM in Huntington, NY, to discuss your treatment options. For questions or concerns, please call (631) 271-8500.