What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the metatarsal bone becomes misaligned and shifts out of position. As the joint moves outward, the big toe gradually pushes inward toward the second toe, creating a visible deformity that often worsens over time.
Bunions are a progressive condition that can significantly affect walking, balance, footwear comfort, and daily activities. As the deformity becomes more advanced, patients may experience chronic pain, swelling, redness, joint stiffness, and difficulty fitting into shoes comfortably. In severe cases, the toes may overlap or cross over one another, making mobility increasingly difficult.
At our New York foot clinic, we use state-of-the-art technology and personalized treatment plans to identify the root cause of your bunion pain and determine the most effective treatment option for long-term relief and improved mobility.
How We Help — Bunion Treatment Options
Our foot specialists begin with a comprehensive evaluation that includes analyzing the way you walk and stand, examining footwear habits, assessing the severity of the deformity, and identifying the precise source of pain and discomfort. X-rays and advanced diagnostic imaging may also be used to evaluate bone alignment and joint damage.
Because bunions progressively worsen over time, early treatment focuses on slowing progression, reducing pain, improving foot support, and minimizing irritation to the affected joint. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include orthotics, shoe modifications, padding, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and minimally invasive surgical correction.
While conservative treatments can successfully relieve symptoms and improve comfort, surgery may become necessary once pain and mobility limitations begin interfering with daily activities. Our minimally invasive bunion procedures are designed to reduce downtime, minimize scarring, and help patients return to normal activities more quickly than traditional surgical methods.
Types of Bunion Surgery
Osteotomy — This procedure involves making an incision near the big toe joint and realigning the affected bone into its proper position to restore alignment and reduce deformity.
Exostectomy — During an exostectomy, the bunion bump is surgically removed from the joint. This procedure focuses on reducing the bony prominence and relieving pressure-related discomfort.
Arthrodesis — In more severe cases, screws, plates, or other fixation devices may be used to stabilize and fuse the damaged joint, correcting the deformity and improving joint function.
Most bunion surgeries are performed using local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. Procedures are typically completed in under an hour, and many patients are able to return home the same day after recovery monitoring.
Contact Us Today
At To Healthy Feet Podiatry, we feel that nobody should be suffering in pain because of bunions. If you are suffering from bunions or any other foot or ankle condition, don't hesitate to give us a call. Serving the Downtown and Midtown Manhattan areas of NYC, our foot doctors are ready to help. Call us at 917-398-3668 or book an appointment online, or fill out our contact form below.