Don't Let Bunions Ruin Your Summer Plans

This season is the best time to show off your stylish summer sandals in New York City, NY. But if you have a passion for footwear fashion, you may also be familiar with foot pain and swelling, which are often associated with bunions.

While platform sandals and high heels may not directly cause bunions, wearing them regularly can make your issues worse. It’s best to visit a board-certified podiatric surgeon, like Dr. Suzanne Levine, to keep your feet at the top of their game.

Bunions are a sensitive bony bump on your foot that appears swollen and red. When bunions are not addressed in a timely manner, they can make wearing any shoes unbearable. Learn more about bunions and bunion treatment options when scheduling a consultation at Millennium Podiatry.

What are bunions?

Bunions are bony bumps on the side of your foot. They are often influenced by factors like genetics and activity levels. Bunion symptoms could change the structure of your bones over time, leaving you with foot pain and an obvious deformity. There are several factors that predict your chances of developing a bunion. Men and women are at risk for bunions in New York City, NY, if:

Bunions run in your family
You have fallen arches (also called flat feet)
You have rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory condition
Your career requires you to be on your feet all day

If you notice a bunion forming, you may want to get it treated sooner rather than later. Dr. Levine can monitor your bunion and evaluate your pain to see if action is needed.

What do bunion symptoms feel like?

Bunion pain varies based on the severity of your condition. It ranges from mild to severe and could flare up when wearing certain kinds of heels. You could experience swelling and inflammation, throbbing pain, or shooting pain that extends into other areas. Pain may increase if the extended joint is pressing against a nerve in your foot. The skin over the bunion may also be calloused or irritated.

What shoes should I wear with bunions?

Bunions can be prevented with the right footwear. The first important step is making sure all of your current shoes, sandals, high heels, and platforms fit properly. Your shoes should be supportive and flexible, with plenty of space for your toes. Well-fitted shoes are also more comfortable, especially if you walk or stand for long periods of time on the job. Orthotics, or shoe inserts, also make it possible to avoid bunions while enjoying your current summer shoes. Dr. Levine can suggest orthotics during an appointment.

How do you treat bunions?

While solutions like well-fitting shoes and orthotics are easy, they cannot address the root of the problem. If bunion pain is preventing you from living your life as normal, Millennium Podiatry offers a range of solutions at our office. Injections can temporarily relieve bunion pain, but surgery may be required for bunion treatment. The great news is that our procedures do not require invasive techniques or lengthy recovery times. Our staff is happy to perform an evaluation and make recommendations based on your needs.

Get back to your summer sandals

Summer months are the best time to wear stylish sandals and high heels. But if you have bunion pain, you may be missing out on your favorite shoes. Don’t wait until your bunion symptoms take over your social life and other activities. Meet with board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine about our wide range of bunion treatment options. Call Millennium Podiatry in New York City, NY to schedule your assessment.