If the bones in your big toe move out of alignment, you might develop a bunion. Without proper treatment, a bunion can grow bigger, preventing you from walking, running, or participating in other physical activities. At his eponymous practice in 3rd Avenue, New York City, board-certified podiatrist, Lionel G. Hausman, DPM, has years of experience diagnosing and treating bunions. If a bunion is interfering with you or a loved one’s quality of life, call the office today or click the online booking tool.
A bunion is a hard, bony bump that develops on the outside edge of your foot at the base of your big toe. It occurs when the bones that make up your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint move out of alignment.
Ultimately, this causes the front of your big toe to push up against your second and third toes. The pressure caused by this movement pushes your MTP joint outward, causing it to become swollen and inflamed.
The symptoms of a bunion vary from patient to patient. However, common telltale signs include:
As your bunion grows bigger, you might also experience trouble putting weight on your affected foot or limited movement of your big toe.
Bunions affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk including:
You’re also more likely to get a bunion if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
To diagnose a bunion, Dr. Hausman physically examines your feet and toes and asks questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Dr. Hausman might also recommend a series of X-rays to help him determine the best way to treat it.
Whenever possible, Dr. Hausman recommends conservative, noninvasive treatments to relieve bunion pain. Common nonsurgical treatment methods include:
If these measures of treatment don’t provide significant relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Hausman offers several different types of surgery to treat bunions. Depending on your symptoms, he might recommend:
To prevent a bunion from recurring after surgery, you’ll need to wear comfortable shoes or custom-made orthotics with plenty of room in the toe box.
Don’t let a bunion keep you from living a healthy, active lifestyle. Request your bunion appointment at Lionel G. Hausman, DPM, today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
