Many people, including celebrities, suffer from bunions, a deformity of the foot that can be caused by different factors. Bunions tend to affect women more commonly because of ill-fitting shoes such as high heels. Genetics also plays another factor. The condition occurs when the big toe, or hallux, leans outward toward your other toes, leading to an enlarged joint. Bunions can often rub against tight-fitting shoes, leading to pain and discomfort. Prevention is vital in ensuring that the bunion does not progress, as surgery is one of the only options to treat them.
Bunions can be very troublesome if they are not treated correctly. If you are having problems with your bunions contact Dr. Jeffrey Conforti of New Jersey. Dr. Conforti will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why do Bunions Form?
How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Paramus and Clifton, NJ. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.
East Tennessee State junior Christian Brewer is an avid competitive runner. Unfortunately, during his last year in high school Brewer sustained a broken femur bone. Brewer struggled to recover from his injury, even doubting himself because of the intense pain from his workouts. But he was determined. Brewer entered the 2014 NAIA indoor nationals tournament, and finished seventh in his division, close to his school’s top runner in terms of time. Brewer is majoring in sports management and wants to continue to be involved in track and field after graduation.
Foot surgery may aid you in recovering from a foot or ankle injury. If you are contending with a podiatric injury or condition, see podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Conforti of New Jersey. Dr. Conforti can determine whether surgery fits your needs or not.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:
- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Reconstruction to attend injuries caused by accidents or malformations
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will be dependent on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Nerve removal for painful nerve endings
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, when it is undertaken, if can provide more complete pain relief than before, and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Such techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Paramus, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Foot Surgery.