Treat Bunions Early to Avoid Other Foot Problems

Often ignored is the foot abnormality known as the bunion until the bunion has gotten larger and already caused additional problems. Check your feet regularly and if you notice a bump forming on the large joint of your big toe, see your foot doctor right away. When bunions are in the early stages, they respond better to efforts at straightening since the toe is more flexible.

Some other foot problems that can be minimized or avoided by treating bunions early include the following:

1)    Hammertoes and mallet toes—People who have untreated bunions are more susceptible to developing these abnormal bends in their middle toes.

2)    Corns —Skin conditions like corns can form on or next to the bunion causing severe pain from rubbing against the inside of your shoe.

3)    Ingrown toenails and associated complications—The increased pressure put on the edge of the toe by the bunion can cause the toenail to grow into the surrounding skin causing considerable pain and possibly a bacterial or fungal toenail infection.

If you need help with painful bunions, see your podiatrist for the best treatment and to help avoid future complications. Specially designed splints and separation devices can be worn in bed while sleeping and will help the toe to straighten gradually. We highly recommend that you consult our board-certified podiatrists, Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!