Get the Facts About Bunions

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we often see Manhattan patients with bunions. Unfortunately, in many cases, the bunion has progressed to a severe state and the person seeking an evaluation has suffered for a long time before coming to us. It is due to a misconception that there is not much that can be done about a bunion. The truth is our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff have multiple options for slowing the progression of a bunion. Below are some facts about this condition and the best way to manage it.

How Bunions Form

Bunions develop as the result of poor foot structure. These faulty foot mechanics and the predisposition for bunion formation are usually genetic. There are, however, certain factors that can increase the chances for a bunion or speed the progression of one that has already begun. These include:

  • Wearing shoes with narrow, pointy toe boxes and/or high heels

  • Injury or trauma to the feet and toes

  • Arthritis or other inflammatory joint diseases

  • Flat feet

  • Low arches

Symptoms and Treatment

Although the telltale bump at the base of the big toe and the apparent movement of the toe toward the second toe are the classic signs of a bunion you may notice other symptoms as well. These include:

  • Pain, redness, and swelling around the bottom of the toe

  • Restricted motion of the toe

  • Irritation on the skin of the bunion such as blisters or corns

  • Callus forming on the ball of the foot

Without treatment, bunions will only get worse. Over time, the big toe may even overlap the second toe, and another toe deformity—hammertoe—may develop as well.

Fortunately, there are several ways to slow down the progression of a bunion, such as:

  • Choosing accommodating footwear with roomy toe boxes and heels under two inches high

  • Using a bunion pad to protect the enlargement

  • Applying ice packs throughout the day to reduce inflammation

  • Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections

  • Custom orthotics

  • Physical therapy

Surgery for bunions is available if the bunion has become so severe that no conservative treatment methods are successful. The sooner you start treating your bunion the more time it will be before a surgical solution is the only one possible. To learn more, contact our Upper West Side office today.

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