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.

Orthotics are used to treat a variety of foot problems and medical issues. Orthotic devices are molded pieces of leather, rubber or other material that are inserted into a shoe. They correct the alignment of your foot and cushion your foot from excessive pounding. Kenneth R. Meisler & Associates is located in New York, NY, and offers custom orthotics to patients. Here are some reasons to consider orthotics.

1. You have diabetes.
Diabetes often results in nerve damage in the feet. This can lead to sensation loss, leaving a diabetic patient unable to feel cold, heat, or pain – which can also lead to strain and stress on other areas of the body. Millions of diabetic patients use orthotic devices to reduce the strain.

2. You have arthritis. 
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more of your joints. Arthritis can cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in and around the joints. When you have arthritis, movement becomes very difficult and painful. Foot orthotics can be employed to alleviate your pain and help you retain and enhance mobility.

3. You are an active person.
In an effort to improve physical performance, many fitness enthusiasts rely on custom-fit orthotic devices to keep their feet in their most efficient alignment, allowing the ligaments, bones, tendons and muscles to work at a higher efficiency and prevent injuries.

4. You have back pain.
Orthotic devices are sometimes used to treat back pain in individuals who have some type of foot imbalance or dysfunction. Walking and standing with the feet, legs, spine and hips out of alignment can contribute to back pain. The use of orthotic devices that correct the alignment of the feet helps to stop this domino effect from occurring.

5. You have foot pain.
Want relief from foot pain? Orthotic devices are designed to correct structural issues and ease foot pain. Making good shoe decisions can go a long way toward preventing foot pain, but for those who are already suffering, orthotic devices may provide much-needed relief.

6. You have a bunion.
Bunions are painful, bony bumps that form on the joint connecting the big toe. Orthotic devices are placed inside your shoes to help realign the bones of your foot. This will relieve the pressure on your bunion and alleviate your pain. Orthotic devices will not take away the bunion deformity, but they can help to control the pain and the progression of the deformity.

So, what are you waiting for? Call Kenneth R. Meisler & Associates at 212-628-4444 today to schedule an appointment in New York. We offer state-of-the-art treatments for problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Your feet will be in expert hands with one of our world-class New York, NY, podiatrists!Orthotics are used to treat a variety of foot problems and medical issues.