Bunions: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Bunions are the enlargement of a bony growth at the base joint of the big toe. If you work or live near Farmingdale, NY, Dr. Emilio Goez, Dr. Anthony Goez, and Dr. Marcin Romancyk at Long Island Foot Care can provide professional opinions about how to treat bunions.

What Causes Bunions?

Certain factors tend to contribute to their occurrence. Hereditary factors also have a large role as individuals with a history of running in their families tend to develop them. Poor-fitting, tight, or high-heeled shoes tend to push the toes toward the center of the foot, thus supporting the growth of a bunion. A flat foot or low-arched foot structure can also put an excessive strain upon the joint, thus forcing the joint toward the growth of a bunion. Repetitive strain through walking or standing for long hours also leads to the bunion's growth, as can conditions like arthritis or past injury.

How Can Bunions Be Prevented and Managed?

Wearing properly fitted wide-toe-box shoes is the single biggest method of slowing down the progression of bunions. Avoid tight or high-heeled shoes because these can strain the toes. Cushioning, orthotic inserts, or a pad can be priceless because they can spread the strain across the foot. Exercising using the toes to pick things can condition the foot's muscles, harden the foot's flexibility, and alleviate strain. Being at a healthy body weight is also required because being overweight places extra strain on the feet. Reducing high-impact activity that strains the feet can prevent the problem from worsening.

When Is Bunion Surgery Needed?

If conservative treatments do not work, surgery can be used to treat the condition. Surgery can target the joint alignment of the big toe or repair the structure of the bones to restore normal function and reduce pain. Your podiatrist will select the best method based on the severity of the condition.

Contact the Best Podiatrist Near Me

Routine checkups with the podiatrist here can identify and cure foot conditions before they cause complications. For tenderness or bunion ache, please call Dr. Romancyk, Dr. Goez, or a Long Island Foot Care office at (516) 406-3338.