Bunions

Daily life with a painful bunion can be challenging, but with proper care, you can find relief and regain your comfort and mobility. At Fords Foot and Ankle Care in Fords, New Jersey, experienced podiatrist Carl Ingrassia, DPM, offers personalized solutions to help you get back on your feet without pain. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to find relief from bunions and improve your quality of life.

What are bunions?

Bunions are bony protrusions that tend to form at the base of the big toe when the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint shifts out of place. As the big toe moves toward the smaller four toes, the bump grows. Bunions can be painful, making everyday movements like walking and standing feel like uncomfortable chores.

These painful lumps are easier to treat when they’re small. With more than 30 years of podiatric experience, Dr. Ingrassia offers many effective solutions to treat bunions and relieve foot pain.

What are the signs of bunions other than bony bumps?

While a bony bump on the outside of the big toe is the most characteristic sign of a bunion, it’s not the only one. Other signs of bunions include:

• Corns and calluses
• Swelling
• Redness
• Limited range of motion
• Pain when walking
• Difficulty finding proper footwear
• Visible deformity (big toe shifting toward adjacent toes)

If you’re experiencing uncomfortable signs of bunions without a visible lump, Dr. Ingrassia can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include digital X-rays, to diagnose your condition.

How do bunions develop?

Bunions typically develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The exact cause can vary from person to person but may involve:

• Overpronation (arches roll inward)
• Flat feet or other neuromuscular problems 
• Tight-fitting, narrow-toed, or high-heeled footwear
• Recurring stress on the foot
• Previous foot injuries
• Congenital defects
• Arthritis

Once Dr. Ingrassia uncovers the cause of your bunion, he can make appropriate recommendations to help relieve your pain and prevent it from worsening.

Are bunions treatable without surgery?

If bunions continue to grow, they usually require surgery. A bunionectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that realigns the MTP joint to relieve pressure. Treating a bunion early can help reduce your chances of needing surgery. Dr. Ingrassia may recommend a combination of treatments, including:

• Ice the area
• Rest and avoid pressure-inducing movements
• Choose loose, non-constricting footwear
• Use custom-made orthotics 
• Take anti-inflammatory pain relievers
• Perform stretching exercises
• Consider nighttime splinting 
• Try cortisone injections to reduce inflammation
• Remove corns and calluses

Dr. Ingrassia can help you get back to moving without pain. Call Fords Foot and Ankle Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.