Effective Bunion Relief and Correction in New Jersey
A bunion isn’t just a cosmetic concern, it’s a painful, progressive condition that can limit your mobility, make shoes uncomfortable, and interfere with your daily life. Without proper care, bunions can worsen over time.
At our New Jersey clinics in Fort Lee and Wayne, Dr. Affan Akhtar, a highly skilled Lower Extremity Physician/Surgeon, offers comprehensive treatment for bunions, from conservative pain management to advanced surgical correction. Our goal is to help you move freely and live comfortably again.
Bunion
What Exactly is a Bunion?
A bunion, medically known as Hallux Valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when your big toe pushes against your next toe, forcing the joint of the big toe to get bigger and stick out. The skin over the bunion can become red, sore, and swollen.
- Genetics: A faulty mechanical structure of the foot is often inherited, making some people more prone to developing bunions.
- Footwear: Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can crowd the toes and put pressure on the big toe joint, contributing to the formation or progression of a bunion.
- Foot Stress or Injuries: Certain injuries or occupations that place a lot of stress on the feet can be a contributing factor.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to bunions.ion or progression of a bunion.
Dr. Affan Akhtar
Podiatric Ankle & Foot Surgeon
Recognising the Symptoms of a Bunion
- A Visible Bump: The most obvious sign is a bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe.
- Pain and Tenderness: Persistent or intermittent pain in the big toe joint.
- Redness and Inflammation: The area around the bunion may be swollen and red.
- Corns or Calluses: These often develop where the first and second toes rub against each other.
- Limited Movement: Difficulty and stiffness in moving your big toe.
- Difficulty Wearing Shoes: Pain and pressure when wearing certain types of footwear.
Is bunion pain affecting your life? Don’t wait for it to get worse. Get an expert evaluation at our Fort Lee or Wayne, NJ clinic.
Your Personalized Bunion Treatment Plan
Our philosophy is to start with the most conservative treatment options that provide effective relief. Dr. Affan Akhtar will create a personalized plan based on the severity of your bunion and your symptoms.
Non-Surgical Treatments
The goal of non-surgical treatment is to relieve pressure and pain, not to eliminate the bunion itself. These methods are often effective for less severe cases.
- Changes in Footwear: Switching to shoes with a wider toe box to reduce pressure.
- Padding and Taping: Using over-the-counter bunion pads or taping the foot into a normal position to reduce stress.
- Custom Orthotics: Prescription shoe inserts can help control the abnormal foot motion that contributes to bunion formation.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) can help manage pain and reduce swelling.
- Icing: Applying ice packs can help relieve soreness and inflammation after a long day on your feet.
Advanced Surgical Correction
If conservative treatments fail to provide relief and the pain is affecting your quality of life, Dr. Affan Akhtar may recommend surgery. Bunion surgery, or a bunionectomy, is designed to correct the deformity by realigning the bone, ligaments, and tendons.
- When is Surgery Considered? Surgery is typically recommended for patients with significant foot pain, chronic inflammation, or a toe deformity so severe it impacts walking.
- Modern Surgical Techniques: Dr. Akhtar is an expert in advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to reduce recovery time and scarring. The goal of the surgery is to remove the bump, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot, and relieve pain.
Expert Bunion Care You Can Rely On
Our philosophy is to start with the most conservative traveatment options that provide effective relief. Dr. Affan Akhtar will create a personalized plan based on the severity of your bunion and your symptoms.
Take the first step towards pain-free walking. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Affan Akhtar at our Fort Lee or Wayne, NJ office today.
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