Bunions are not just unattractive and unsightly, but depending on their size and the extent of joint damage they've caused, they can also be painful and affect everything from your ability to fit into your favorite shoes to participating in sports and physical activities. Fortunately, you don't have to live with bunion pain. Here at Kenneth R. Meisler, D.P.M., FACFAS, P.L.L.C. & Associates in Manhattan, your podiatrists offer solutions for both bunions as well as a number of other foot and ankle conditions. Read on to learn more!

More about Bunions and Bunion Symptoms

One of the most common podiatric problems today, bunions are acquired foot deformities that manifest themselves as bumps at the base of big toes. There are several factors that can increase an individual's risk of developing bunions, and while anyone can get a bunion at any age, they are more common in women and the risk tends to develop with age.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Bony protrusion/bump at the base of the big toe
• Big toe slants towards the other toes away from the joint
• Pain
• Tenderness/redness/swelling
• Corns and calluses from friction between the bunion and your shoes
• Limited movement/mobility issues (advanced joint damage can also increase your risk for arthritis)
• Your shoes feel tighter than normal or don't fit

What Causes Bunions?

There are a few things that can cause or increase the risk of bunions, some of which are preventable and others which are caused by factors like heredity or your foot type. Some other risk factors for developing bunions include:

• Wearing high heels and tight, narrow shoes that crowd the toes
• Spending a lot of time on your feet on an ongoing basis
• Underlying joint injury or arthritis

Bunion Treatment in Manhattan

Like many other foot and ankle problems, bunions can generally be treated conservatively at first depending on the size and severity. The treatment options for bunions include:

• Icing and pain relievers to relieve inflammation and discomfort
• Splints
• Arch supports or custom orthotics if you have flat feet or pronation
• Supportive shoes
• Splints and padding to align the joint and prevent chafing

Surgery to correct a bunion is rare, but is sometimes performed when conservative treatments are ineffective and there is extensive damage to the joint. You can also lower your risk of developing a bunion by wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, and discussing your risk factors with the podiatrist.

Find a Podiatrist in NYC

Whether you're a highly active individual and athlete, or you're just experiencing pain or having trouble fitting into your favorite shoes because of a bunion, we can help. Contact our Manhattan office today by calling (212) 628-4444 to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists.

What is a Bunion?

What Causes Bunions?

How a Podiatrist Can Help

Prevention is Key

Bunions rank high on the list of embarrassing foot problems. They can also create secondary foot problems, like hammertoes and calluses. You have many options for treating a case of bunions, but when all other methods fail, you and a podiatrist at Kenneth R. Meisler & Associates in New York City, NY, may have to consider bunion surgery.

Initial Bunion Treatment Options
Many patients can realign their toes by training the feet back in the correct position over a period of time. Implements a podiatrist may use to achieve this goal include splints, padding, wrapping tape or cloth, and orthotic devices. These usually help in the beginning stages of bunion formation, but when a bunion becomes fixed in its position, a surgical procedure might be the only thing that can get rid of the unsightly bump and toe crowding.

When Is Bunion Surgery Needed?
Your New York City podiatrist will take non-invasive steps to avoid surgery, but if they don’t help surgery may be required. Here are a few indications that a bunionectomy is  the ideal  solution:

- The bunion is very rigid and doesn’t move.
- The bunion is painful and makes walking a challenge.
- You can no longer comfortably wear shoes.
- There is a major toe deformity.
- Other treatments have produced only minor results.

Preparing for Bunion Surgery
Keep in mind that you may have to take time off of work for up to a couple of weeks after a bunionectomy, especially if you work on your feet or you’re an athlete. Your doctor will discuss sedation methods with you. The type of surgery will depend on the severity and shape of the bunion. Some of the bone may be removed so that the toe can be manually realigned and pinned in a better position. In some cases, the joint is fused so that the bones can heal properly over time.

Consult Your Podiatrist
Bunions can become a very serious foot condition without treatment. If non-invasive solutions haven’t realigned your feet yet, see a podiatrist at Kenneth R. Meisler & Associates in New York City, NY, to talk about bunion surgery. Call (212) 628-4444 today for an appointment.

Women tend to experience the pain and disfigurement associated with bunions more often than men. Here we explain why:

It's been said that women often suffer for the sake of fashion. That seems to be especially true when it comes to their feet ­ years of wearing narrow, high­heeled, pointed shoes can wreak havoc on the structure of women's feet, particularly in the form of bunions. These deformities have become one of the most common afflictions podiatrists treat in their offices. But why does this problem tend to affect women over men, and what can be done to prevent it?

Bunion basics

First, it's important to know what bunions are and how they develop. Bunions gradually develop on the outside of the big toes from pressure on their joints. As the big toe is constantly pushed inward toward the other toes, the bunion becomes more pronounced. They are not actually new growths; the deformity of the foot bones makes it appear that there is a lump under the skin. The results of this irregularity can be pain, swelling and limited range of motion, and its appearance can make people self­conscious about going barefoot or wearing open­toed shoes.

Women's susceptibility

The cause of bunions is not completely known: they may be an inherited abnormality, or they may be caused by many years of wearing ill­fitting footwear. Either way, it is generally accepted that cheaply-­made or tight-­fitting shoes can worsen bunions over time. Given that women's shoes often require the foot to contort into an unnatural position, it is no wonder that more women suffer from bunions than men. Women also tend to be more arthritic, a condition that can exacerbate bunions as well.

Treatment

Low-­maintenance, non­-surgical options are usually the first line of treatment for bunions. Shoes should be high­quality and fitted by an expert to ensure proper sizing. Specially­designed foot pads or arch supports can be worn to alleviate some of the pressure and mild pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can ease the pain. Surgeries involve removing some of the affected bone or surrounding tissue to correct the foot's position.

If you think your feet might be fashion victims, kick your shoes off and call your podiatrist to ask about your options.