Bunion Specialist
Global Podiatry of NY & NJ
Medically known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a common and painful deformity of your big toe joint. Since bunions are known to progress and can start making even the roomiest pair of shoes feel uncomfortable to wear, Sergey Losyev, DPM, of Global Podiatry of NY & NJ designs a personalized bunion treatment plan to provide fast and effective relief.
Schedule your bunion appointment at their offices in the Bensonhurst and Midwood sections of Brooklyn, New York, and in Morganville, New Jersey by clicking on the online scheduler or by calling the office directly.
Bunion Q & A
What causes bunions?
Bunions are progressive deformities of the joint at the base of your big toe. This condition most commonly occurs when you wear pointy shoes on a regular basis since your big toes have nowhere to go. In order to fit comfortably inside your shoes, your big toes have to bend to the side and rest on top of your second toes.
If this happens on a regular basis, eventually, your toe joint changes shape and your big toe starts to stay in that slanted position. Even though ill-fitting shoes are among the top causes of bunions, especially for women, they aren’t the only thing to blame. You can develop bunions due to:
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Arthritis
- Injury
Developing a similar condition in your baby toe is common, too. If you notice a bony bump developing on the outside of your foot at the base of your smallest toe, you have a Tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette. Causes, symptoms, and treatment options for both bunions and bunionettes are similar.
When should I see a podiatrist for a bunion?
Both bunions and bunionettes are progressive and are only going to get worse if you don’t seek early medical intervention. You should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Losyev at Global Podiatry of NY & NJ as soon as you start noticing that bony bump developing. It’s especially important to have an exam if your bunion (or bunionette) is:
- Limiting your toe movement
- Making walking or standing painful
- Causing inflammation and swelling
Dr. Losyev also wants to see you find it difficult to find comfortable shoes to wear because of your toe deformity.
How is a bunion treated?
Most bunion and bunionette treatment plans at Global Podiatry of NY & NJ start with a package of conservative solutions. These treatments are designed to relieve acute pain and inflammation while decreasing future discomfort and flare-ups. Your bunion treatment plan may include:
- Changes in footwear
- Custom-designed orthotics
- Specialized padding
- Splinting and taping
- Physical therapy
- Toe separators
- Pain medications
For more severe cases in which you have chronic pain and dramatically decreased toe range-of-motion, Dr. Losyev might recommend surgery. Both bunion and bunionette surgeries are minimally invasive. Dr. Losyev can remove the bony protrusion or tissue buildup, realign your toe joint, and make any necessary repairs on an outpatient basis.
Book your bunion exam at Global Podiatry of NY & NJ today. Click the online scheduler, or call the clinic to speak with a team member.