Bunions

That painful bony bump at the base of your big toe is a bunion, and without proper treatment, it’s only going to get worse. With his extensive experience in diagnosing and treating bunion deformities, Marc Schumann, DPM, of Valley Stream Foot Doctor, can help you get relief from bunion discomfort, often without surgery. Call the office in Valley Stream, New York, or request an appointment online today. 

What causes bunions?

Bunions are deformities that develop at the base of your big toe. They form as your big toe joint starts changing shape because your big toe gets pushed out of proper alignment. In many cases, frequently wearing snug-fitting shoes and high heels are to blame.

But improper footwear isn’t the only reason you have bunions. You might be prone to developing bunions due to:

• Inherited foot structure
• Flat feet
• High arches
• Arthritis

In some cases, bunions form because of previous trauma or injury. No matter what’s causing your bunion, it’s important to have it evaluated early on. Bunions are progressive. Without proper treatment, your joint deformity is only going to get worse.

Do bunions cause pain?

Bunions are known for being sore and painful. Over time, they continue becoming swollen, tender, and inflamed. Bunions can also lead to:

• Corns
• Calluses
• Arch pain
• Joint pain
• Redness over the joint

The more your bunion progresses, the more likely you are to experience joint stiffness and limited range of motion. Before your bunion reaches this point, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Schumann at Valley Stream Foot Doctor.

When should I see a podiatrist for a bunion?

It’s never too early to schedule a bunion evaluation. Early treatment intervention is key to preventing serious pain and inflammation.

Ideally, you should visit with Dr. Schumann as soon as your bunion forms. But if your bunion is starting to keep you from your job, hobbies, or daily activities, schedule an examination at Valley Stream Foot Doctor right away.

Do I need surgery for a bunion?

You might, but because bunion surgery often requires some extensive downtime, Dr. Schumann usually tries to find conservative solutions to help you first. Your bunion treatment plan at Valley Stream Foot Doctor may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Padding, taping, or splinting
• Specialized toe stretches
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics

If you have a severe bunion, or if noninvasive measures aren’t enough, Dr. Schumann might recommend bunion surgery. Using minimally invasive measures, Dr. Schumann can realign your toe joint and resolve your bunion deformity permanently.

Schedule your bunion evaluation at Valley Stream Foot Doctor by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.