Can Bunions Go Away on Their Own?

Bunions are a common foot ailment, and they can be very painful. You may have a hard time fitting into heels, and your feet may feel swollen and tender. If you have a bunion, don’t despair. There are a few ways to help your feet feel more comfortable, including visiting board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine for treatment.

Bunions are a problem that won't go away on their own, but you can manage symptoms and resolve your issues with the right help. Below, Millennium Podiatry explores common methods for treating foot pain and bunions in New York City, NY.

How do bunions form?

Bunions are a deformity of the foot that is often hereditary. They form when the big toe pushes against the second toe, causing the joint to enlarge and stick out. This can be very uncomfortable, especially when wearing your favorite platform shoes and heels.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee you won't develop a bunion at some point. Some people have a bone structure that predisposes them to develop a bunion. But, you can take common-sense steps to reduce your risk, such as wearing comfortable and properly-fitted shoes.

What about bunion symptoms?

Even mild bunion symptoms can make it hard to walk or stand, especially if you're on your feet all day. Symptoms include swelling and redness around the affected area as well as corns and calluses. The first line of treatment usually involves ice packs, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. If the bunion is more severe, you may need to see a podiatrist for your foot pain.

Can you treat bunions without surgery?

When you schedule a foot assessment with a podiatrist, like Dr. Levine, we examine the area and ask about your history of bunion pain. If the bunion is not causing severe damage to your feet, we may recommend custom orthotics or special inserts to alleviate pressure on the affected area.

Noninvasive methods, like rest and orthotics, may be more comfortable but won't treat your bunions definitively. If these methods don't help, Millennium Podiatry may recommend surgery.

Does bunion surgery hurt?

A podiatrist offers several surgical procedures to correct a bunion deformity and restore the alignment of the toes and joints. Millennium Podiatry can perform surgery without hospital admission, and some procedures don't even require stitches. Incisions are minimal, and patients can return to normal function within a few days.

Here's why patients choose bunion surgery at our state-of-the-art facility in New York, NY:

• Correct bunion pain and discomfort

• Preserve joint health in the big toe

• Prevent foot deformities from progressing

• Improve foot function for everyday activities

• Make shoes fit better

What can I expect after bunion surgery?

We encourage patients to ice and elevate their feet after bunion surgery. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions, so your toe joint and foot heal properly. The good news is most people only experience a mild amount of discomfort after surgery. You can resume regular activities, like wearing heels, as advised by Dr. Levine.

Treat bunions and foot pain

Don't wait to find relief from your bunion pain. Bunions are not expected to resolve on their own, and you may need the help of a board-certified podiatric surgeon, like Dr. Suzanne Levine. Call Millennium Podiatry to schedule a bunion assessment in New York, NY. We have years of experience offering relief for patients through noninvasive methods and surgery.