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Bunions Specialist

Performance Footcare of New York, PC

Bryon Butts, DPM

Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgery located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY & New Hyde Park, NY, Lake Success, NY

Researchers estimate that between 10-25% of adults develop bunions. Even though these bony growths are uncomfortable, they’re relatively easy to treat. At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, board-certified podiatrist Bryon Butts, DPM, offers conservative treatment for bunions, including minimally invasive surgical options. To make an appointment at the practice in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, or Lake Success, New York, call the nearest office today or schedule online.

Bunions Q & A

What are bunions?

A bunion is a hard, bulbous bump that occurs on the outside edge of your foot at the base of your big toe. They occur when the bones in your toes change position, causing your MTP joint to bulge outward.

Anyone can develop a bunion, but they’re especially common in women. Many women wear high heels and other tight shoes that crowd the toes together, increasing the risk of bunion-related symptoms.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Symptoms of bunions include:

  • Foot pain and tenderness
  • Redness and inflammation
  • A callus on the bottom of your foot
  • A stiff or swollen big toe

As a bunion grows, you might also experience pain or discomfort when standing up or placing weight on your foot.

What causes bunions?

Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes bunions, but several factors are thought to contribute, including wearing tight shoes that crowd the toes together, having a family history of bunions, or having an underlying inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis.

How are bunions diagnosed?

At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, Dr. Butts diagnoses bunions by reviewing your medical history, asking about your symptoms, and physically examining your feet. Most bunions are obvious and easy to spot, but if Dr. Butts suspects your symptoms are due to a fracture or other issue, he might order additional tests, like X-rays or an MRI.

How are bunions treated?

Treatment of bunions depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. Usually, Dr. Butts recommends conservative, at-home treatments like wearing more comfortable shoes, icing your bunion, wearing heel pads or inserts, and taking over-the-counter pain medication.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Butts boasts significant experience performing minimally invasive surgery for all types of bunions. Minimally invasive surgery is quick, virtually pain-free, and provides lasting results. What’s more, the scars are small and there’s little risk of complications.

Many of these procedures require very little time off your feet. Most individuals return to wearing shoes within three to four weeks.

To explore your treatment options for bunions, make an appointment at Performance Footcare of New York, PC, by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.