Bunions Treatment
in New York, NY
Bunions
Bunions refer to a misalignment of the first metatarsal-phalangeal or first MTP joint, located at the base of the big toe. This bony lump can present both physical pain and aesthetic discomfort, so addressing it is paramount for many bunion sufferers.
Bunions
What Causes Bunions?
This common disorder affects more women than men and can be caused by:
- Tight or narrow shoes (especially high heels)
- The shape of your foot (genetics)
- Flattening of the foot
- A medical condition, such as arthritis
Chelsea Foot and Ankle in New York City provides effective surgical and non-surgical options to treat bunions and restore full foot function.
How Do I Know if I Have Bunions?
An in-depth consultation with Dr. Ethan Ciment is your first step to a precise diagnosis.
Our doctor(s) will examine your feet and ankles to determine the probable cause of your pain or functional complaint.
They will listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, then create a treatment plan that will include the appropriate diagnostic imaging and procedure(s) for your specific condition.
Some typical bunion symptoms include the following:
- A bump or bulge forming at the side of the base of your big toe
- Pain, tenderness, redness, swelling around the joint of your big toe
- Corns or calluses where the big toe rubs against the second toe
- Reduced ability to move your big toe
Why Choose Chelsea Foot and Ankle To Treat Your Bunions?
Our team considers every patient as part of the family and will treat you like the VIP you are. We respect you and your time and offer comprehensive services at reasonable prices customized to meet your unique needs.
What Are Your Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment Options?
As a bunion develops, the big toe can drift toward the second toe or under it. The skin on the bottom of the foot may also start to become thicker and painful.
If allowed to progress, the pressure from the big toe may force your second toe out of alignment and cause it to overlap your third toe. Debilitating arthritis can result from an untreated bunion.
At Chelsea Foot and Ankle, we start with a conservative approach whenever possible. This may consist of protective pads to cushion the joint while you wear more comfortable shoes.
Custom orthotics can be made at Chelsea Foot and Ankle to correct the over-flattening of the foot that often triggers bunions and help realign the front of the foot so that the big toe and first MTP joint can function correctly.
Our doctors have had great success treating bunions without invasive surgery in mild to moderate cases.
What if You Need Bunion Surgery?
Like shoes, one bunion does not fit all. There are different types of bunions and dozens of surgical approaches used to address them.
Choosing the correct technique for each bunion is critical in getting the ideal outcome.
Regardless of which surgical procedure is chosen, a “bunionectomy” is performed to realign the first MTP joint with the bones, ligaments, and tendons of your big toe, so they can be brought back to their correct position to restore proper pain-free function.
Bunion surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, using sedation and local anesthesia, with no hospital stay needed.
What Is Recovery From Bunion Surgery Like?
Recovery time will vary from patient to patient but can take a month or longer. Most individuals will need to wear special footwear, like a boot or splint, early in recovery to protect the foot and allow it to heal.
There is minimal downtime and crutches are rarely needed, with most patients walking out of surgery. For those who work on their feet, taking 7 to 10 days is usually sufficient before returning to a modified standing work schedule.
After stitches are removed, our doctors routinely recommend physical therapy to strengthen the foot and restore normal range of motion and function to the foot.
The doctors at Chelsea Foot and Ankle take your recovery seriously and follow your progress closely during this time.
You will be scheduled for weekly visits for our team to assess every aspect of your healing process, and any further recommendations will be made to ensure the best possible outcome.
How Can You Prevent Bunions?
Bunions develop over time, and taking care of your feet during childhood and early adulthood is essential. Monitor the shape of your feet over time, especially if foot problems run in your family.
Some tips include:
- Wear shoes that fit properly
- Avoid shoes with high heels or a pointed toe
- Exercise your feet
- Practice picking up small objects with your toes
If you have a bunion and you have not had it checked out, now is the best time to do it. The sooner it’s evaluated, the sooner an intervention can be initiated, and the more likely you will not require surgery to fix your bunion.
Your New York City Podiatrist for Bunion Treatment
Whether you want to prevent a bunion from progressing early with conservative treatment, or you have severe bunions that may need surgery, you can trust the doctors at Chelsea Foot and Ankle.
Are you interested In healing your bunion?
If you need relief from bunion pain, call our office today at (646) 929-4149! Remember to check out our blog, where you can learn more about us!
Our Patients Love Us
I have been very impressed with Dr. Ciment, unlike most Drs he doesn’t seem in a rush to diagnose you and takes the time to hear about your injury and past injuries. He genuinely seems to care about finding the right path to recovery. Michael is also very friendly and helpful to work with. Highly recommend!
Dr. Ciment is absolutely amazing! He is very welcoming and does an incredible job assessing and explaining his prognosis. My physical therapist was also impressed with his communication to her.