Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery
Christopher Chow DPM FACFAS | Susan Zhao DPM | Jack Yuan DPM
Bunion Treatment in NYC
If you’re dealing with a bunion, you already know how painful and frustrating it can be. Bunions not only affect your comfort but can also make everyday activities—like walking or wearing your favorite shoes—more difficult. The good news is, there are effective treatments that can help, and you don’t have to live with the pain. Whether you’re looking for non-surgical options or are considering surgery, our team of board-certified podiatrists in Manhattan is here to provide the expert care you need.
Let’s dive into what bunions are, why they happen, and most importantly, how we can treat them to get you back on your feet pain-free.
What Is A
Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe, where it meets the rest of your foot. Over time, the joint can become misaligned, causing the toe to lean inward toward the other toes. This shift not only changes the shape of your foot but can also lead to swelling, pain, and discomfort.
Bunions are more than just a cosmetic issue—they can make it painful to walk, stand for long periods, or wear shoes. If left untreated, the pain can get worse, and it may even impact your ability to move comfortably. That’s why it's important to address the issue as soon as possible.
Bunions?
What Causes
Bunions can develop for a variety of reasons, and it’s not always something you can prevent. In many cases, they run in families, which means if your parents or grandparents had bunions, you might be more likely to develop them. Other common causes include wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes (especially those with narrow toe boxes or high heels), arthritis, and foot injuries.
Your foot’s structure plays a significant role as well. People with flat feet or overly flexible joints are more prone to developing bunions over time. While it’s impossible to eliminate all risk factors, understanding the causes can help you make better choices for your foot health.
Common Symptoms Of Bunions
The most obvious sign of a bunion is the visible bump at the base of your big toe, but there are other symptoms you might experience as well. These include:
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Swelling and redness around the joint
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Pain or soreness, especially when walking or wearing shoes
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Stiffness or limited movement in the big toe
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Calluses or corns where the big toe overlaps the second toe
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. During an evaluation, we’ll take a close look at your foot and may recommend an X-ray to see how severe the bunion is and to determine the best course of treatment.
While not all bunions can be prevented, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk, especially if you have a family history of bunions or other foot issues. Here are some tips to help keep your feet healthy:
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Choose the right shoes: Opt for shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and a comfortable fit. Avoid high heels and tight shoes that squeeze your toes together.
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Use orthotics: Custom orthotics can help improve foot alignment and reduce pressure on your toes, which may prevent bunions from forming or getting worse.
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Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put added stress on your feet, contributing to bunion development.
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Practice good foot care: Stretch and exercise your feet regularly to keep them flexible and strong.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of developing bunions and keep your feet in better condition over the long term.
How To Prevent
Bunions
Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Bunions
Not all bunions require surgery—there are several non-surgical treatments that can help alleviate pain and slow the progression of the bunion. We typically recommend starting with these conservative treatments before considering surgery. Here are a few common options:
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Orthotic devices: Custom shoe inserts can help redistribute pressure on your feet, reducing pain and preventing the bunion from worsening.
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Padding and taping: Special pads can cushion the bunion and relieve pressure, while taping can help align your toe properly, offering relief during daily activities.
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Footwear changes: Switching to shoes with a wider toe box and better support can make a big difference in reducing discomfort.
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Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce swelling.
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Physical therapy: Certain exercises can improve the range of motion in your toes and strengthen the muscles around the joint.
These treatments are designed to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life without the need for surgery. However, if these methods don't provide sufficient relief, we may explore surgical options.
Surgical Treatment Options For Bunions
If non-surgical methods aren’t enough to relieve your pain or if your bunion has become too severe, surgery may be the best option to correct the problem and restore function to your foot. Bunion surgery, also known as a bunionectomy, involves realigning the bones, ligaments, and tendons in your foot to correct the deformity. There are several types of bunion surgeries, and the best one for you depends on the severity of your condition.
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Osteotomy: This is the most common procedure, where small cuts are made in the bones to realign the joint. The bones are then secured with pins or screws.
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Exostectomy: In this procedure, the bump on your big toe is removed, but it doesn’t address the misalignment, so it’s often done alongside other techniques.
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Arthrodesis: In more severe cases, the damaged joint surfaces are removed, and the bones are fused together to eliminate the bunion and reduce pain.
We’ll work closely with you to determine the best surgical option based on your individual needs and lifestyle. Recovery from bunion surgery can take several weeks to a few months, but it offers long-term relief and improved mobility.
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Manhattan, NY
If you’re looking for a quicker recovery time and less scarring, minimally invasive bunion surgery may be an ideal option. This advanced technique involves making smaller incisions, which means less trauma to the surrounding tissue and a faster healing process. Many patients find that this approach leads to less post-operative pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker return to normal activities.
Minimally invasive surgery is particularly appealing for those who want to avoid the lengthy recovery period associated with traditional surgery. Plus, with the expertise of our Manhattan podiatrists, you can expect excellent results with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life.
We’ll discuss whether you’re a good candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery during your consultation, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
What Happens If A Bunion Is Left Untreated?
Leaving a bunion untreated can lead to more serious issues down the line. As the bunion grows, it can cause increasing pain and discomfort, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. Over time, the joint may become stiff and arthritic, further limiting your mobility. In severe cases, untreated bunions can lead to other foot problems, such as hammertoes, calluses, or even misalignment of the rest of your foot.
The longer a bunion is left untreated, the more complex it may be to correct. Early intervention, whether through non-surgical methods or surgery, can prevent these complications and help you maintain a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
Get Professional
Bunion Treatment in NYC
If you’re struggling with bunion pain, there’s no need to wait until it gets worse. Whether you’re looking for non-surgical solutions or considering a surgical approach, our team of experienced, board-certified podiatrists in Manhattan is here to help. We specialize in personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you receive the best care possible to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Don’t let a bunion keep you from enjoying your daily activities. Schedule a consultation with us today to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward living pain-free. Contact our office now to book your appointment and get back to walking comfortably!
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How much does Swift Plantar Wart Therapy in New York cost?The cost of Swift Plantar Wart Therapy can vary depending on the number of treatments needed and your specific case. Typically, patients require between three to four sessions. For a precise estimate, it’s best to schedule a consultation where we can assess your needs and provide a detailed breakdown of the costs.
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Does Swift therapy really work for plantar warts?Yes, Swift therapy is highly effective for treating plantar warts. Unlike traditional treatments that only address the surface of the wart, Swift targets the underlying HPV virus by stimulating your body’s immune response. This approach significantly improves the chances of completely eliminating the wart.
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Is Swift Plantar Wart Therapy covered by insurance?Coverage for Swift Plantar Wart Therapy can vary depending on your insurance plan. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if this treatment is covered under your policy. Our office can also assist you with any insurance-related questions during your consultation.
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What is the success rate of Swift Plantar Wart Therapy in New York?Swift therapy has a high success rate compared to other treatment options because it targets the root cause of the wart—the HPV virus—by leveraging your immune system’s natural defenses. While individual results can vary, many patients experience significant improvement after completing the recommended treatment sessions.
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How do I know if my Swift treatment is working?You’ll likely notice a reduction in pain and discomfort as the treatment progresses, which is a good sign that your body is responding to the therapy. Additionally, the wart should start to shrink or flatten out. Your podiatrist will monitor your progress at each session to ensure the treatment is effective.
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Is Swift therapy safe?Yes, Swift therapy is a safe, FDA-cleared treatment option for plantar warts. It uses low-dose microwave energy that specifically targets the wart without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.
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What should I expect after Swift treatment?After each Swift treatment session, you can expect minimal to no downtime. There’s no need for bandages or special care, and you can resume your daily routine right away. Some patients notice an immediate reduction in pain, and over time, the wart should gradually diminish as your immune system works to eliminate the virus.
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How much does Swift microwave therapy cost?Similar to Swift Plantar Wart Therapy, the cost of Swift microwave therapy depends on your individual case and the number of sessions required. A consultation with your podiatrist will give you a clearer idea of the costs involved based on your treatment plan.
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Does Swift therapy hurt?While pain levels can vary, most patients report only mild discomfort during the brief, 2-second application of microwave energy. The discomfort typically subsides immediately after the treatment, and many patients even find that their wart-related pain decreases following the session.
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How effective is Swift Plantar Wart Therapy compared to other treatments?Swift therapy is generally more effective than traditional treatments because it targets the root cause of the wart— the HPV virus—rather than just addressing the surface. By harnessing your immune system, Swift offers a higher chance of complete wart removal, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.