Bunion Specialist

What is a Bunion? 

A bunion is a painful, bony bump that usually appears at the base of your big toe. However, smaller Bunions can also develop on the fifth toe in some cases. You may experience constant pain because of the bunion, and you may also notice that the skin around the bunion is red and sore.

What causes bunions?

Bunions develop when the bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac at the base of the toe, becomes swollen and thickened. This forces the toe out of alignment, causing pain and other symptoms. The symptoms of bunions often get worse over time if you don’t get the treatment you need.

Some people are more likely to get bunions than others. Factors that make bunions more likely include:

• Injuries to the feet
• Deformities present at birth
• A family history of bunions
• Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that put uneven pressure on your foot
• Arthritis

Although many people with bunions have at least one of the risk factors above, it’s possible to develop bunions without any obvious cause.

How does Dr. Genkin diagnose bunions?

Dr. Genkin can usually diagnose bunions with a visual examination. He’ll also ask you questions about your symptoms to be sure there aren’t any other problems not visually apparent.

What treatments are available?

If you have bunions, you may benefit from:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatories can improve the symptoms of bunions
• Applying ice: To relieve some of the soreness and reduce inflammation
• Wearing shoe inserts: To distribute pressure evenly on your feet
• Padding and taping: To relieve pressure on the bunion and reduce your pain
• Surgery: To remove swollen tissue, straighten the toe, or realign the bones

In addition to helping you recover from your bunions, Dr. Genkin will also help you identify any factors that led to the development of the bunion so you can change them and prevent the condition from coming back.