A bunion is a common condition that affects the bone and joint of your big toe. Over time, untreated bunions can cause crippling foot pain and limit your movement. If you suffer from a painful bunion, Heidi Godoy, DPM, and Johanna Godoy, DPM, at Alps Road Family Foot & Ankle in Wayne, New Jersey, offer a wide range of safe and effective treatments, including minimally invasive surgery. To speak with a podiatrist about restoring your foot health, book an appointment by phone or online today.
A bunion is a type of progressive foot deformity that forms on the joint of your big toe. Bunions are the result of changes to the alignment of the bones in your feet.
During its early stages, the condition causes your big toe to angle in toward your other toes instead of pointing straight ahead. As the deformity gets worse, a small bump (bunion) forms on the side of the toe.
Bunions can also form on your little toes and are called bunionettes.
The natural structure and mechanics of your foot can leave you more prone to developing bunions. Problems like foot injuries and wearing high-heel or ill-fitting shoes can also increase your risk of developing bunions.
Because bunions are a progressive condition, symptoms will get worse as the toe continues to shift out of alignment.
Bunion symptoms include:
As the condition gets worse, a bunion can make it difficult for you to move your big toe. Symptoms are usually noticeable when you’re wearing high heels or shoes that crowd your toes. Long periods of standing or walking can also cause your symptoms to get worse.
However, some people with bunions never experience painful symptoms.
If you experience ongoing foot pain or have difficulty finding shoes that fit properly because of your bunion, the team at Alps Road Family Foot & Ankle can find the right treatment for you.
Your bunions won’t just go away without treatment. How your bunions are treated will depend on the severity of your deformity and the intensity of your symptoms.
Depending on your needs, your podiatrist can combine a number of conservative treatments to effectively treat your bunion. Treatments include:
The goal of bunion treatment is to relieve your pain, restore your mobility, and minimize damage to the joint of your big toe.
If your bunion causes you severe pain or interferes with your daily routine, the team at Alps Road Family Foot & Ankle also offers minimally invasive bunion procedures.
During the surgery, your podiatrist uses small incisions to correct the deformity. It is an outpatient procedure, and you can go home the same day.
To find out which treatment is right for you, call the office or book an appointment online today.