That bony bump at the base of your big toe — a bunion — can lead to foot pain and stiffness that starts affecting your daily activities. If you have bunions, even if they seem minor, schedule an evaluation at Foot Pain Doctor NY in Midtown East, New York City, to get started on treatment, so you can get the bunion relief you deserve. Find out more by booking a bunion exam online or by calling the office to speak with a team member.
Bunions
Why do I have bunions?
Bunions (hallux valgus) are joint deformities that develop over time in the base of your big toe. They form as your big toe gets pushed and shoved out of its normal straight alignment and instead, over or under your smaller toes. This causes your big toe joint to change shape, which is why you notice that bony bump.
Footwear is often to blame when it comes to bunions. They’re most common among women who wear high heels or pointy-toed shoes. Usually, there’s an underlying issue that increases your risk of bunions, such as:
- Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis
- Toe or foot injury or trauma
- Flat feet or high arches
- Unstable joints
You can develop the same type of condition in your baby toe for the same reasons. This smaller bony bump is known as a bunionette.
What are the symptoms of bunions?
Because bunions form gradually, often over a period of years, in the beginning, you may just notice a little soreness or stiffness in your big toe. But as that deformity progresses and your toe joint starts to change shape, you may start experiencing:
- Corns and calluses
- Limited range of motion
- Burning or shooting pains
- Numbness or tingling sensations
The caring podiatrists at Foot Pain Doctor NY encourage you to come in for a comprehensive exam if any of these bunion symptoms sound familiar, no matter how minor or severe they may be.
How are bunions treated?
Foot Pain Doctor NY offers a unique holistic approach to bunion care, where your podiatrist thoroughly examines you and combines conservative treatments to help you get relief and to minimize inflammation. Your bunion treatment plan may include:
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Injection therapy
- Shoe modifications
- Specialized padding
- Corn or callus removal
Sometimes surgery is really the best option for treating bunions, especially if conservative treatments aren’t effective or if you have a severe deformity. Rest assured, the highly skilled team at Foot Pain Doctor NY can help restore your full foot function, no matter which treatment is right for you.
Book your bunion appointment at Foot Pain Doctor NY by clicking on the online scheduling feature. You can also call the office directly to schedule.