Bunions Specialist
-
- Tweet
South Denver Podiatry
Podiatrists located in Littleton, CO
Research shows that roughly one in three adults over age 65 have bunions, while up to one in four adults under age 65 struggle with the condition. Because bunions are so common and are known for causing severe discomfort, board-certified podiatrist Karolina Varnay, DPM, of South Denver Podiatry offers several pain-relieving solutions. It’s never too early — or too late — to get started on bunion treatment at this Littleton, Colorado, clinic. Book your exam online or call the office.
Bunions Q & A
What causes bunions?
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a deformity of your big toe joint, right at the base. They’re progressive, meaning that with each passing day, they get worse. A bunion develops when your big toe gets pushed into your smaller toes, forcing your big toe into an abnormal, angled misalignment.
Medical experts often find that wearing high heels or snug fitting shoes with little room in the toes can contribute to toe joint misalignment and thus, bunions. This is likely why women tend to struggle with bunions more frequently than men. You may also have bunions because of:
- High arches or flat feet
- Foot injury or trauma
- Severe arthritis
To make matters worse, if you have a bunion, your big toe can push other toes out of proper alignment, too. This can increase your risk of hammertoes and mallet toes. While it isn’t always known why you may have a bunion, rest assured, you have plenty of options available for relief.
How are bunions treated?
Your bunion treatment plan at South Denver Podiatry is tailored entirely to your needs, so you and Dr. Varnay can work together to find a solution that relieves pain and helps improve your quality of life. Some of the most effective bunion treatments include:
- Custom orthotics
- AmnioFix® stem cell injections
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
In most cases, combining some of these therapies for at least a couple months should help relieve bunion discomfort. If your pain isn’t improving — or if it’s getting worse — it might be time for surgery.
Do I need surgery for bunions?
Possibly, but usually only as a last resort. Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) involves surgically straightening out your big toe joint and, if needed, removing any damaged tissue.
As an alternative, you might benefit from Lapidus surgery. This procedure involves fusing the base joint of your big toe, which decreases movement and helps your toe straighten out.
Dr. Varnay performs bunionectomy and Lapidus procedures. No matter which treatment or surgery method is right for you, the team at South Denver Podiatry care for you every step of the way.
To see how the team at South Denver Podiatry can help you get through bunion pain, schedule an evaluation. Book online or over the phone.
