Your feet have a number of joints and muscles that allow you to function and move every day. Because of this, there are a variety of problems that can also occur in the feet and ankles that can significantly disrupt a patient’s quality of life. At Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, we routinely see patients who are dealing with conditions that develop such as bunions. Bunions are large bumps that can appear around the side of the foot where the big toe resides. The joint at the base of the big toe where it meets the foot can become not only unsightly, but for many patients, painful. When bunions occur, patient can take certain approaches to keep the condition from getting worse and requiring surgical intervention.
What are the signs and symptoms of a bunion?
A bunion can be easily diagnosed with a physical evaluation, but patients who have these joint concerns may also experience some of the following problems with their feet:
- Pain and tenderness
- Inflammation
- Swelling and redness
- Hardened skin over the bunion
- Stiffness of the joint
- Calluses/corns
Reduced movement in the foot
When diagnosing bunions, the doctor will also take x-rays to look at the structures of the foot and look for other problems that might be happening as well. X-rays are also perfect for patients who are pursuing surgical intervention, which involves the placement of screws or pins to keep the bone aligned, sometimes after shaving down the bulge at the side of the foot as well. However, the doctors of Orthopedic Associates of Long Island often recommend non-surgical approaches first. These treatments may include:
- Losing weight
- Utilizing bunion pads
- Taking pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Avoiding painful shoes such as high heels
- Wearing wider and softer shoes
- Applying ice and resting as recommended
Are you struggling with managing your bunions?
When conservative methods are no longer working in allowing patients to function with bunions, it may be time to speak to a professional about bunion surgery. If you reside in the Long Island area, we welcome you to call Orthopedic Associates of Long Island at (631) 689-6698. Patients can call this number to connect with one of our professionals at any of our seven practice locations throughout the community.
