If that bony bump on your big toe causes ache with every step, our top-rated bunion specialists in NJ can help. Essex Union Podiatry offers personalized treatment plans to realign your toe, restore comfort, and get you moving again.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe, caused by the metatarsal bone shifting out of place. This forces the toe to angle toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead.
Bunions range from mild to severe, and can cause:
- A prominent bump on the side of your foot
- Soreness, redness, and swelling
- Stiffness and loss of motion in the big toe
- Calluses on the second toe
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit
Bunions tend to get more painful over time without treatment. Genetics often play a role, but ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate the deformity.
Signs You Should See One of New Jersey’s Top Bunion Specialists
Consult our bunion specialists if you notice:
- A firm bump at the base of your big toe
- Redness, swelling, or irritation over the bump
- Corns/calluses between toes
- Stiffness, soreness, or loss of motion in the big toe
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
Our doctors Dr. Jason Galante, Dr. Sarah Haller, and Dr. Kaitlyn Testa have helped countless find bunion relief through expert care.
Understanding Your Bunion Treatment Options
The doctors at Essex Union Podiatry offer a patient-first approach, beginning with conservative therapies. If those fail to adequately relieve your symptoms, tailored surgical options reshape the bone and tissue alignment.
Nonsurgical Bunion Treatments
The first line of defense focuses on managing pain and swelling. Options include:
- Bunion pads & splints to stabilize the joint
- Custom orthotics providing arch support
- Anti-inflammatory medications decreasing inflammation
- Steroid injections directly reducing swelling and discomfort
- Physical therapy exercises strengthening feet and ankles
Our goal is protecting your mobility while monitoring bunion progression. If everyday activities become too uncomfortable, surgery may become necessary.
Contact us now to discuss your foot and ankle health needs.
When is Bunion Surgery Necessary?
If conservative treatments like icing, padding, orthotics or injections don’t provide lasting bunion pain relief, surgery may be required. Our bunion specialists consider surgery when:
- Pain persists and disrupts daily activities
- Mobility in the big toe joint decreases
- Orthotics or shoe modifications are ineffective
- Bunion deformity continues progressing
We offer both traditional and minimally invasive bunion surgery, depending on your case severity. Our goal is realigning the toe bones and restoring normal foot function. Contact us for an exam to determine if bunion surgery is right for you.
Is Bunion Surgery Right for You?
If conservative treatments fail and your deformity worsens, our experienced surgeons can restore your toes to their natural aligned state.
During outpatient surgery, Dr. Galante, Dr. Haller, or Dr. Testa will:
- Realign the metatarsal bone so your big toe points straight
- Remove excess bone and tissue causing the “bump”
- Release tight ligaments and tendons
- Add supportive pins or screws if needed
With an individualized surgical plan and supportive aftercare, our bunion specialists get you back on your feet comfortably.
What to Expect When Visiting Our Bunion Specialists in NJ
Your first appointment focuses on accurately assessing your bunion’s severity. Expect:
- Discussion of symptoms and treatment goals
- Evaluation of foot/ankle flexibility, strength, and alignment
- Weight-bearing x-rays visualizing deformity (if needed)
- Trying orthotic inserts to improve arch support
Subsequent visits monitor treatment effectiveness via:
- Measurements tracking bunion size changes
- Pain and mobility assessments
- Gait evaluations after surgery
- Guidance transitioning between recovery phases
We educate patients on home care needs, including icing, stretching exercises, orthotic use, and proper footwear.
Bunion Specialist in NJ: FAQs
How long does bunion surgery take to heal?
Healing timelines are unique to each patient, but you can expect:
- 1-2 weeks of strict elevation with minimal walking
- 4-6 weeks transitioning out of a protective boot
- 3-6 months for complete bone remodeling and stabilization Your podiatrist will guide your progression at each follow-up.
Is bunion surgery painful?
Thanks to anesthetics, you shouldn’t feel pain during the operation. Post-surgery discomfort is common but well-managed with medication for the first couple days. Our team works to minimize any pain throughout your recovery.
Will my bunion come back after surgery?
When performed correctly by specialists like Drs. Galante, Haller and Testa, bunion surgery reshapes the bone in a way that prevents recurrence in 95% of patients. Certain factors like family history can slightly increase risk.
How do I choose the best bunion specialist in NJ?
Look for podiatrists certified in foot surgery with an expertise in bunion procedures specifically. Our doctors have performed thousands of realignments. Patient reviews validating bedside manner and results are key too.
Will my bunion come back after surgery?
With strict adherence to post-operative protocols, bunions have a low recurrence rate. But some factors like injury, arthritis, or pregnancy increase the risk for reoccurrence. We’ll provide instructions for protecting your realigned joint.
Do I have to have bunion surgery?
Not always. Milder bunions that aren’t causing pain or movement issues can be monitored instead of corrected with surgery immediately. But severe or progressively painful bunions usually require surgery for lasting relief.
Start Your Journey to Bunion Pain Relief
Don’t let foot discomfort slow you down. Essex Union Podiatry’s board-certified specialists tailor treatment plans to your needs, lifestyle and goals.
Visit us at our convenient locations across New Jersey. With top bunion specialists available in Union and Essex Counties, we always have an office nearby to provide premier care.
Rahway Office
1600 St. Georges Ave.
Rahway, NJ 07065
Phone: 732-936-7543
Caldwell Office
376 Bloomfield Ave.
Caldwell, NJ 07006
Phone: 862-640-1917
Springfield Office
500 Morris Ave, Suite 203
Springfield, NJ 07081
Phone: 862-660-7739
With compassionate, highly skilled podiatrists available across three locations, let our team help you enjoy walking comfortably again. Contact the office nearest you today to schedule your first appointment!
