Bunion Specialist
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A Step Up Podiatry, LLC
Ankle and Foot Surgeon located in Manalapan, NJ
Around 60% of adults have a foot disorder today, and bunions are one of the most common manifestations. Many men and women let these painful bony bumps linger too long and end up limping or virtually immobile, but there’s no need to suffer at all. Sanjay Gandhi, DPM, the founder and podiatrist at A Step Up Podiatry, LLC, can treat bunions promptly and get you walking in comfort again. Call the Manalapan Township, New Jersey, office, or use online scheduling to get help now.
Bunion Q & A
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bump on the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), the joint where your big toe and foot connect. When bone alignment problems in your foot force your big toe to tilt toward the other toes instead of pointing up, it pushes the MTPJ outward and causes the bump.
Bunions usually appear on the big toe, but can also appear on the little toe. These little toe bunions are called tailor’s bunions or bunionettes. They’re caused by bone misalignment, just as big bunions are.
What are the signs of a bunion?
The bony bump is the tell-tale sign, but you can also expect other symptoms, including soreness, pain, and red skin around the bump. Many bunion sufferers also have restricted movement in their big toe.
Why am I getting a bunion?
Usually, bunions are caused by faulty foot structure and foot movement patterns. It’s common to inherit a foot type that’s prone to bunions, even though you don’t actually inherit bunions themselves.
Other possible causes can include foot trauma and neuromuscular disorders. Although shoes don’t cause bunions, high heels can put a great deal of pressure on your MTPJs. This encourages bunion development if you’re already predisposed to bunions. That’s why bunions are most common in women.
How do I treat a bunion?
At A Step Up Podiatry, LLC, Dr. Gandhi starts with a full foot exam. He carefully examines your bunion, checks range-of-motion, and often uses the on-site X-ray machine to analyze the internal changes in your foot’s bony framework.
Dr. Gandhi typically asks about your symptoms, lifestyle, and history to determine whether you have any underlying issues.
For mild-to-moderate bunions, the treatment approach usually includes one or more of the following methods.
- Custom orthotics to redistribute foot pressure
- Medication to relieve pain
- Cortisone injections for long-term pain relief
- Ice application to reduce inflammation and soreness
- Taping, padding, or splinting to correct position and decrease stress
- New footwear with a wider toe box
If you have a severe bunion, conservative measures might be insufficient. Dr. Gandhi is a foot and ankle surgery specialist who performs a variety of procedures to repair bunions, such as metatarsal bone realignment, partial tarsal bone removal, excess tissue removal, or permanent joint fusion.
Book your appointment with New Jersey’s best foot doctor by calling A Step Up Podiatry, LLC or booking online now.
