A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. Without proper treatment, bunions can worsen over time, leading to chronic discomfort and joint damage. At FitFeet in Merrick, NY, our podiatrists specialize in non-surgical and surgical solutions to alleviate bunion pain and restore proper foot function.
A bunion (hallux valgus) develops when the big toe gradually shifts outward toward the second toe, forcing the joint at the base of the toe to stick out. This misalignment can result from:
✔ Genetics – Inherited foot structure can make some people more prone to bunions.
✔ Improper Footwear – High heels and narrow shoes put excess pressure on the big toe.
✔ Foot Mechanics & Flat Feet – Poor arch support can contribute to bunion formation.
✔ Arthritis & Joint Conditions – Inflammation and instability in the joints can accelerate bunion development.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit a bunion specialist in Merrick:
✔ A visible bony bump on the side of the big toe
✔ Pain, redness, and swelling around the toe joint
✔ Difficulty finding comfortable shoes due to toe crowding
✔ Corns or calluses from the big toe pressing against the second toe
✔ Limited toe movement or stiffness in the joint
Ignoring bunions can lead to progressive joint damage and other foot conditions like hammertoes, arthritis, or chronic pain.
At FitFeet in Merrick, we offer conservative and surgical treatments based on the severity of your bunion.
For mild to moderate bunions, we focus on relieving pain and slowing progression with non-invasive treatments, including:
✔ Custom Orthotics – Arch-supporting inserts to improve foot alignment and reduce pressure on the bunion.
✔ Padding & Taping – Protects the bunion and helps realign the toe.
✔ Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Helps manage pain and swelling.
✔ Toe Spacers & Bunion Splints – Reduces toe crowding and prevents worsening deformity.
✔ Physical Therapy & Stretching – Strengthens foot muscles to improve stability and balance.
✔ Proper Footwear Recommendations – We help you choose shoes that minimize bunion irritation.
If your bunion is causing severe pain or difficulty walking, surgery may be the best option. Our board-certified podiatrists perform minimally invasive bunion correction procedures, including:
✔ Bunionectomy (Bone Realignment Surgery) – Removes the bony bump and realigns the toe.
✔ Osteotomy – Small cuts in the bone help reposition the toe for better alignment.
✔ Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis) – Fuses the joint to correct severe bunion deformities.
We use advanced surgical techniques to ensure minimal downtime and faster recovery.
✔ Wear Supportive Shoes – Avoid narrow, pointed, or high-heeled shoes.
✔ Use Arch Support – Custom orthotics help prevent excessive pressure on the toe joint.
✔ Stretch & Strengthen Your Feet – Regular foot exercises improve flexibility and reduce strain.
✔ Monitor Your Feet – Catching bunions early allows for better non-surgical management.
If bunion pain is interfering with your daily activities, don’t wait for it to worsen. At FitFeet in Merrick, we provide personalized bunion treatment to keep you comfortable and mobile.
Take the first step toward pain-free walking—schedule your bunion consultation today!
A bunion is a painful, bony bump that develops on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions occur if one or more bones in the front portion of your foot become misaligned, causing your big toe to pull forward and put pressure on your smaller toes. Ultimately, this causes the joint at the bottom of your big toe to push outward, leading to stiffness, swelling, and redness.
Bunions develop for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they’re the result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes with a small toe box. Other times, they occur as a result of a foot deformity or a chronic medical condition such as osteoarthritis.
The symptoms associated with bunions depend on their size, location, and the underlying cause. However, telltale signs include:
As a bunion progresses, you might also have difficulty finding a pair of shoes that fit comfortably over the bunion, or you might develop hammertoe.
To diagnose bunions, Dr. Stepensky at Fit Feet Podiatry physically examines your foot, asks you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and takes a series of orthopedic X-rays. He might also ask you to stand up, sit down, and walk around the exam room so he can monitor your gait and posture.
Whenever possible, Dr. Stepensky uses conservative, integrative treatments to relieve bunion pain. If your bunion isn’t interfering with your mobility, he might recommend wearing a different pair of shoes with a wider toe box and additional padding. On the other hand, if your bunion causes you pain, custom orthotics or cortisone injections might be necessary.
If your pain persists for months at a time with little or no relief even after conservative measures of care, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Stepensky offers minimally invasive bunionectomy procedures using arthroscopy and endoscopy to relieve swelling, ease pain, and improve your mobility.
If bunions are preventing you from participating in your favorite activities, make an appointment at Fit Feet Podiatry today–call the office or click the online booking tool to begin.
