Getting a diagnosis is only the first step towards relieving a problem. After you understand what is going on, you and your podiatrist can begin making decisions regarding treatment plans. This article will help you to have the information you need to make an informed decision about how to treat bunions.
Bunions – Diagnosed by Manhattan’s Best Podiatrist
Cause
Bunions are caused by arthritis, genetic predisposition, or wearing shoes that are too narrow or tight in the toes.
The top bones begin to shift toward the middle of the foot and the joint is pushed outward. The joint will become inflamed and the skin may be irritated.
Symptoms
Bunions are often painful. The joint area may be reddened, swollen, and warm. The skin around the joint often becomes calloused, and corns can also form.
Many patients complain of limited mobility in addition to the pain. You may have difficulty fitting into shoes that you normally wear as the bunion continues to form.
If not treated, bunions can develop into more painful conditions, such as hammertoes or bursitis.
Bunions can require several different levels of treatment, depending on how severe your case is.
How to Treat Bunions
The Best Podiatrist in Manhattan and NYC Tells You
If you have been diagnosed with a bunion, you may be wondering what your treatment options are. Best Foot Doctor NYC offers several different treatments based on your individualized needs. But first, you may be able to treat some of the symptoms at home.
Home Treatments
To treat bunion pain, over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen may be helpful. You can also ice the area to reduce pain and swelling.
Bunion pads or cushion inserts provide support and protection for sensitive bunions, while splints and orthotics can help gently realign the bones.
Be sure to wear shoes that fit well without being too tight around the big toe.
Medical Treatments
For cases that are not too severe, podiatrists offer corticosteroids to relieve pain and inflammation. At Best Foot Doctor NY we also utilize the non-invasive class 4 laser treatment to treat bunions.
If your bunion is causing difficulty walking, or the pain is growing worse, you may be a candidate for bunion surgery.
Bunion Surgery
There are several procedures that can be done in bunion surgery. The podiatrist may remove inflamed tissue, realign the bones, fuse together the joint to prevent reoccurence, or even cut off a piece of the bone to help the bones align better.
Bunion surgeries fall into two main categories: minimally invasive or traditional. Minimally invasive surgery uses a burr through a tiny hole to shave down the bunion (if the bunion is small), or by shifting the first metatarsal towards the second metatarsal (if the bunion is bigger). Traditional surgery uses a 0.5 – 1 inch incision to remove the bunion and is reserved for bigger bunions.
After surgery, you will have several weeks of recovery and need to follow your doctor’s orders carefully. Watch out for signs of infection, wear shoes with a wide toe area, and slowly add in physical activity as directed by your podiatrist.
Bunion surgery is a safe and simple procedure and ought to be considered if you are concerned about pain, discomfort, or esthetics. If your bunions are interfering with daily activities or constantly recur, bunion surgery may be the right option for you.
Looking For Bunion Treatment in Manhattan or Near You? | NYC
Wondering what treatment options are right for you? Contact us at Best Foot Doctor NYC today to schedule an appointment with our caring staff. We want you to know that you are making the right decision in your treatment plan.