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Bunions Specialist

Leonard Greenwald, DPM

Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in San Jose, CA

Heredity, years of wearing tight shoes, and arthritis can all contribute to the development of a bunion — a painful, bony bump on your big toe. Expert podiatrist Leonard Greenwald, DPM, has more than 40 years of experience providing relief from the discomfort of bunions. To make an appointment at the patient-centered practice, call the office in San Jose, California, or use online scheduling today.

Bunions Q&A

What are bunions?

A bunion is a bony bump that typically forms at the base of your big toe, known as the metatarsophalangeal joint. Wearing narrow shoes, genetic factors, arthritis, or structural problems in your feet may contribute to the formation of painful bunions. 

Occasionally, bunions form on the outside of your littlest toe. When this happens, it’s called a bunionette.

Bunions usually start small but get larger over time. They may cause your big toe to overlap the second toe, forcing it out of alignment.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

Common bunion symptoms include:

  • Tenderness, redness, and inflammation around the swollen toe joint
  • Restricted motion or stiffness in your affected toe
  • Overlapping toes
  • Difficulty wearing shoes
  • Persistent or intermittent pain in your affected toes
  • Protruding toe joints

Bunion pain can cause a great deal of discomfort, making it a challenge to find comfortable shoes or to walk without further irritation to the already painful joint.

How are bunions treated?

When you seek treatment in the early stages of a bunion, Dr. Greenwald may recommend wearing different shoes to avoid putting pressure on the bunion or limiting physical activity that makes symptoms worse. Custom orthotics to protect the bunion from irritation may also be effective at an early stage. 

If your bunion is large and interferes with movement, Dr. Greenwald may recommend bunion removal surgery. He offers the latest surgical treatments to reduce recovery time and provide effective, long-term results. 

Although you remain awake throughout surgery, you receive a complete ankle block — a form of local anesthetic — and are numb from the ankle down.

To determine which state-of-the-art procedure is right for you, Dr. Greenwald first X-rays and evaluates your foot, considering your lifestyle, medical history, and overall health. He discusses your treatment options with you and explains the benefits of each.

When should I see a doctor for my bunions?

Bunions are permanent unless a podiatrist removes them; they won’t go away on their own. If you don’t take care of bunions, other conditions like bursitis and hammertoes may develop. 

You should make an appointment with Dr. Greenwald if you experience any of the following:

  • Reduced or restricted movement in your big toe or foot
  • Persistent pain in your big toe or foot
  • Difficulty finding shoes that fit because of your bunion
  • A visible and growing bump on the big toe joint

Learn which bunion treatment is best for you. Call Leonard Greenwald, DPM, or request an appointment online today.