Elmira, NY

(607) 734-4582

Horseheads, NY

(607) 739-8318

Waverly, NY

(607) 565-8128

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Treating Your Bunions

Bunions. They're the subject of plenty of jokes, but if you're the one suffering, bunions are not funny at all. At Thurber and Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery in Elmira, Horseheads, and Waverly, NY, our six podiatrists diagnose and treat this prevalent foot condition with great success. Learn more about how they could help you.


Shoes, age, family history, and more

These are the factors contributing to bunion formation. A bunion is a bony prominence that develops at the base of the big toe on the medial aspect of either foot. Over time, bunions grow, becoming more and more inflamed and painful. Untreated, a bunion may force the big toe toward and even over the second and third toes of the foot, causing a difficult deformity called Hallux valgus.


Even if your bunion is just starting to cause problems, you should have it checked out by one of our Elmira, NY, podiatrists. He'll look at the bunion, watch how you walk and take X-rays if necessary.


Fortunately, most treatment plans are very conservative, and surgery (bunionectomy) is a final resort only when other measures prove unsuccessful. Surgical goals are pain reduction and preservation of foot function and mobility, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.


Factors which contribute to bunion formation include:

  • Age (middle age on up)
  • Gender (women more than men)
  • High-heeled, pointed-toe shoes which stress the forefoot
  • A flawed foot structure which runs in families
  • Standing on hard surfaces for a prolonged time each day


Treating your bunions

Here's what our Elmira podiatrists at Thurber and Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery may advise to limit your bunions and relieve your pain, numbness, and tingling:

  1. Better shoes featuring more room in the toes
  2. Wearing custom-fabricated shoe orthotics to cushion and support the foot (our office offers digital scan orthotics)
  3. Padding, such as Moleskin, to alleviate friction and callus formation
  4. Over the counter pain relievers
  5. Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation
  6. Ice and rest after walking or standing
  7. In-office removal of calluses and corns


Better looking, feeling, and functioning feet

They can be yours when you seek treatment for your bunions at Thurber and Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery. Call for a consultation with one of our podiatrists. There's a location near you. In Elmira, NY, phone (607) 734-4582. For Horseheads, call (607) 739-8318. In Waverly, phone (607) 565-8128.

Contact Us

Our Location

Hours of Operation

Elmira Office

Monday - Friday:

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday:

Closed

Horseheads Office

Monday, Friday:

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday - Thursday:

8:30 am | 5:00 pm + evening hours

Saturday, Sunday:

Closed

Waverly Office

Monday - Friday:

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday:

Closed