Bunions

About 30% of Americans have bunions –– abnormal growths that form on the outside edge of the big toe joint. At his practice in the Randall Manor neighborhood of Staten Island, New York, Aluko O. Jervis, DPM, treats bunions using a holistic and patient-centered approach. Dr. Jervis can realign the bones at the front of your foot, improving your mobility and quality of life. Call the New York City area office to request a bunion consultation today, or book an appointment online.

What are bunions?

Bunions are swollen, painful bumps that form when the bone at the base of your big toe (the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint) changes position. Over time, your MTP joint bulges further and further outward, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Bunions affect all types of people, but they’re most common in those who wear tight shoes that press the toes together.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Symptoms of bunions include:

• A hard, red bump on the outer edge of your big toe 
• Swelling, redness, or soreness
• Difficulty moving or wiggling your big toe
• Calluses, corns, or blisters on top of your big toe
• ‘Pain that comes and goes

As the bunion grows, you may have difficulty standing up, walking, or doing other routine tasks.

Should I see a podiatrist for bunion treatment?

Make an appointment with Dr. Jervis if you have a visible bump near your big toe joint that’s painful and swollen. That’s particularly true if you have a decreased range of motion or you have difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably over the bunion.

How are bunions diagnosed?

Dr. Jervis reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms, including when you noticed the bunion, what it feels like, and if the pain extends into your forefoot or heel. Next, he examines your affected big toe and big toe joint. Dr. Jervis gently presses on the bunion, pinpointing sensitive areas, and carefully moves your toe from side to side.

Dr. Jervis orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to get a closer look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues at the front of your foot. Then, he makes personalized treatment recommendations.

How are bunions treated?

Dr. Jervis treats bunions using holistic and minimally invasive measures. He might recommend:

• Wearing comfortable shoes with plenty of room for your toes
• Wearing non-medicated bunion pads or cushions
• Custom orthotics
• Applying ice to the bunion several times daily
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication

If your bunion continues growing or it affects your quality of life, Dr. Jervis might recommend surgery. During bunion surgery, he uses special tools to realign the bones at the front of your foot. 

Call Aluko O. Jervis, DPM, to receive treatment for bunions today, or make an appointment online.