Bunions: Understanding the Causes and Treatment Options

You have a throbbing pain at the base of your big toe or have noticed a slight bump there. You have questions about what this is and need some answers. Dr. Sanford Proner, a podiatrist in Bronxville and Dobbs Ferry, NY, has been a podiatrist for over thirty years and can answer any questions regarding bunions or hallux valgus. 

What is Hallux Valgus? 

This medical condition is characterized by the development of a bony bump where the big toe meets up with the rest of your foot. This condition happens when you have something that exerts pressure along the big toe, causing it to push against the other toes and the metatarsophalangeal joint at its base to move outward. 

Bunions naturally occur over a few years and are also called hallux valgus. Your fingers can feel this bony protuberance alongside the affected toe. You can also have this happen to the little toe (called Tailor's or bunionettes) when it is squeezed by constant pressure. This condition is very common, and the following factors contribute:

• Tight, ill-fitting shoes
• Walking or standing for long periods of time
• Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Your walking mechanics or gait

Our experienced doctor of podiatry in Bronxville and Dobbs Ferry, NY, states that bunions or hallux valgus can show the following signs and symptoms.

• Redness or discoloration of the affected area
• Pain and swelling
• Stiffness in your toe 
• Trouble bending the toe in question (may have pain or burning sensation when bent)
• Thickened skin on the outside of the foot called a corn or callus
• Inability to wear certain shoe styles
• Numbness of the skin surrounding the affected toe

Diagnosis and Treatment of Bunions

Our doctor performs a physical exam complete with a medical history as a baseline for your feet. Our doctor will ask when these symptoms started and how long you've been dealing with this issue. He may ask for additional testing, such as an X-ray, to see the extent of the bone involvement.

Treatment of this condition would include pads to cushion the affected area, better footwear giving your feet complete support, corticosteroids injected into the area, orthotics added to your shoes to help relieve pressure, NSAIDs to help reduce pain when used short-term, icing, and physical therapy. The last treatment option is to consider surgery to remove the bunion and realign your toes to correct the misalignment in your foot's structure. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today! 

Call Dr. Sanford Proner today at his Bronxville and Dobbs Ferry, NY, practice! Our doctor looks forward to your visit to discuss bunion issues at the following numbers: Bronxville at 914-237-7300 and Dobbs Ferry, NY, at 914-693-0006.