At the Podiatry Center of New Jersey, one of the conditions we see patients for frequently is a bunion. A bunion is a deformity that occurs in the toe joint when the bones or joints of the toe move out of alignment. Bunions form most commonly on the big toe joint but they can also happen to the small or pinky toe. As the toe moves further out of place the joint becomes enlarged and a bony bump appears at the base of the toe. Over time the toe can start to overlap the second or even third toe.

Who’s at Risk?

Bunions are more common in women, but men can get them too. Some factors that make a person more prone to bunions include:

  • Overpronation, flat feet or other neuromuscular problems
  • Frequently wearing high-heeled shoes or boots with narrow, tight toe boxes
  • Congenital defects
  • Arthritis
  • Prior foot injuries
  • Recurrent stress to the foot

Bunion Treatment

Bunions are a progressive condition, and as they worsen, the pain from wearing shoes increases. The misalignment of the toes can also put them in a position where corns or calluses develop in response to friction and pressure from footwear. It’s always best to seek care and treatment when a bunion is in its earliest stages. Our doctors are then able to use conservative measures to slow the progression and give you relief. These may include:

  • Icing the affected area
  • Modifying your footwear to styles that are not constricting and are made of soft, flexible materials
  • Custom orthotics to help correct the position of your foot and toes and increase stability
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed
  • Cortisone injections
  • Night splints
  • Physical therapy and stretching exercises

If these treatments cease to bring relief the foot doctor may recommend bunionectomy surgery to permanently correct your toe deformity.

For more information, contact us today.

At Podiatry Center of New Jersey our team of doctors treat various conditions such as sports injuries, diabetic foot problems, and pediatric foot conditions, toe deformities, arthritis, nail fungus, arch problems, and heel pain. Equipped with advanced technologies and dedicated staff, our 16 conveniently located offices provide individualized high-quality care for patients across Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, and Union Counties. For all your foot and ankle problems, contact our Wayne, NJ office at (973) 925-4111 for an appointment.