Paterson Location
265 E 33rd St
Paterson, NJ 07504-1520
(973) 684-1011
Paramus Location
299 Forest Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652
201-599-9255
Bunion Surgery, Treatment for Bunions New Jersey
Treatment for Bunions and Bunion Surgery New Jersey
Offices in Paterson and Paramus NJ
A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the side of the big toe. Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. If you look at the x-ray on this page you will see that the large 1st metatarsal bone not only has a bump on it but is also jutting out from the rest of the bones. The enlargement causes friction and pressure as it rubs against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping the second toe The growing enlargement then causes more irritation or inflammation. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoes.
Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult--all contributing to chronic pain.
Wearing shoes that are too tight is not the leading cause of bunions. If that was true, then the shoe would prevent the bump from coming out. Bunions are not hereditary, but they do tend to run in families, usually because of a faulty foot structure. A general imbalance in the bones and ligaments of the foot is the actual cause of the bunion.
Treatment for Bunions
Because they are bone deformities, bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is twofold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain cause by irritations, and second to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:
- The use of protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
- Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
- Injection therapy - This is not as painful as it sounds and can be accomplished in a gentle way. It also very successful in many patients.
- Changing to carefully-fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.
- Orthotic devices custom made--to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
- Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis
Surgical Treatment
Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.
Not all bunion procedures are the same. You might have a friend who had a procedure that only needed a surgical shoe while another person needed a cast. I try to do the most conservative procedure that will give the best results. All of the incisions that I use are on the inside part of the foot and can barely be seen from the top of the foot.
