Do I Need Surgery for My Bunion?
You can live with a bunion for years with no ill effects. However, when it becomes painful, red and swollen, or if you develop corns or calluses from friction against your shoes, it’s time for a visit to the podiatrist.
A bunion is a bump on the outside base of your big toe. Bunions don’t go away after they form, and they can get worse by wearing high heels or shoes that are tight and narrow in the toe area. Eventually, the big toe pushes against the second toe and the joint grows even larger.
Try Conservative Treatments First To Relieve Bunion Symptoms
Please call us for an evaluation if you have a bunion, especially if it becomes painful. We will first try conservative or non-invasive treatments to relieve your pain and slow down the bunion’s growth:
Change your shoes to those that have lots of room for your toes.
Add padding to your shoes to reduce friction and skin irritations.
Remove painful calluses and corns.
Create custom-fitted orthotics to keep your foot in the right position and help stabilize the joint.
Exercise the foot for flexibility and to help maintain joint mobility.
Because children’s bones are still somewhat flexible, a nighttime splint can help the joint align in the presence of a bunion.
Is Surgery Necessary?
If your bunion is painful, growing or interfering with walking and other activities, it’s time to talk surgery.
Each patient’s situation is unique and so your bunion surgery procedure, called a bunionectomy, depends on your individual condition. The goal of a bunionectomy is to remove the bunion and realign the toe.
Please Come See Us If You Have a Bunion
The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Matthew Tshudy is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices in Hartford County, conveniently located in Enfield and South Windsor, CT.