Bunion Treatment
Podiatrist, Bunion Specialist in Jackson Heights, NY
Leave Bunion Pain Behind!
Bunions are due primarily to genetic factors, but can become painful over time due to trauma, ill-fitting shoes and poor foot structure. The bone connected to the big toe starts to drift outward pushing the big toe sideways into the other toes which can also lead to painful hammertoes, corns & calluses. Untreated bunions not only can become painful, but can become progressively worse. Wider shoes, padding & custom made orthotics may slow down this progression, surgery is the only way to correct the bunion deformity.
Take advantage of high-quality podiatry care right in Jackson Heights, NY. Make an appointment today!
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A bunion (Hallux Valgus) is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around the big toes joint. This bump is actually a bone protruding towards the inside of the foot. Some of the symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe. This discomfort commonly causes a patient to walk improperly.
Another type of bunion is called a Tailors bunion or bunionette. This type of bunion forms on the outside of the foot towards the joint at the little toe. It is a smaller bump that forms due to the little toe moving inwards, towards the big toe
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Bunions are a common problem experienced mostly by women. The deformity can develop from an abnormality in foot function, or arthritis, but is more commonly caused by improper fitting footwear. Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe area can cause the foot to begin to take the shape of the shoe, leading to the formation of a bunion. The toes are squeezed together in their shoes causing the first metatarsal bone to protrude on the side of the foot. It is important for both men and women to realize that wearing shoes, which are tapered in the toe area, can cause the bunion to worsen to the point where surgery is necessary.
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In the early stages of the formation of a bunion, soaking feet in warm water can provide temporary relief. The best way to alleviate the pain associated with bunions is to wear properly fitting shoes. Shoes with rocker soles will unload pressure to the bunion area. Orthotics are also recommended for this condition to provide extra comfort. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to get the appropriate shoes and orthotics.
There are several conservative treatments to alleviate the pain and discomfort of a bunion but the only actual cure is surgery. This procedure is called a bunionectomy. There are many variations of this operation and a professional specializing in the foot called a podiatrist usually performs it. Most bunionectomies involve the removal of a section of bone and the insertion of pins to rejoin the bone. Sometimes the surgeons may move ligaments or tendons in order to realign the bones. After this procedure, the bones and other tissues are held in place while they heal by compression dressing.