Stuart Katchis, M.D. is a leader in treating bunions and performing bunion correction surgeries. He has helped hundreds of patients get back on their feet pain-free with remarkable results. Whether your condition has just recently developed and can be effectively treated with nonsurgical options, or it is more advanced and requires surgery, Extend Orthopedics will plan and implement a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

For those patients needing bunion surgery, Extend Orthopedics is pleased to offer a cutting-edge procedure using the Re+Line® Bunion Correction System, a proprietary system that Dr. Katchis helped develop. The Re+Line® technology offers a unique, low profile tension band compression plate that delivers more precision, control and, best of all, faster recovery times for patients.

What is a bunion?

A bunion, also referred to as hallux valgus, is a condition characterized by a bump on the side of the big toe that indicates a displacement of the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is located at the base of the big toe. While the bump along the side of the foot may be the most noticeable part of the condition, the deformity actually has to do with a shifting of the bony framework within the front part of the foot. It sometimes involves multiple bones drifting out of alignment. Bunions are one of the most common problems affecting the forefoot. As a progressive disorder, symptoms get worse over time.

What causes a bunion?

A bunion is caused when the metatarsophalangeal joint becomes unstable, which can lead to a partial or complete dislocation. As a result, the big toe begins drifting toward the second toe and the metatarsophalangeal joint starts to jut out on the outer edge of the foot. In nearly all cases, a bunion can be explained by an abnormal foot structure or abnormal foot mechanics that cause an imbalance of pressure on the ball of the foot and toe joints, eventually leading to instability in the big toe joint. Experts disagree on whether or not wearing tight or narrow shoes that crowd the toes actually causes bunions. Nevertheless, wearing ill-fitting footwear may speed up the progression of the condition.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

If you have a bunion, you will likely experience:

• Pain or soreness at the base of the big toe or along the inside of the foot
• A bump on the outside of the big toe joint
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Redness
• A burning sensation
• A loss of movement in the big toe
• Pain that worsens after long periods of standing
• Pain that worsens when wearing tight, narrow shoes or high heels

You may also experience numbness in the affected area and have difficulty finding comfortable footwear. In other cases, some patients with bunions may not experience any symptoms at all.

What are the risk factors for a bunion?

There are several factors that can increase your risk for developing a bunion:

• Gender – women are statistically more likely to develop a bunion than men
• Foot anatomy – certain foot types, including congenital foot deformities, make you more prone to developing a bunion
• Ill-fitting footwear – shoes that are too tight, narrow or shoes with high heels can speed up the progression of a bunion
• Prior toe injuries – significant or repeated injuries to the big toe and surrounding bones can exacerbate instability of the big toe joint
• Medical conditions – certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis place you at an increased risk for developing a bunion
• Occupation – jobs that place significant stress on the big toe, including those which require periods spent squatting or stooping, put you at a higher risk for developing the condition

What are the treatment options for a bunion?

If you are experiencing pain or soreness at the base of the big toe joint that may be accompanied by a bump along the outer edge of the toe, call our office at 212‑434‑4920 or fill out the schedule appointment form on this page so Stuart Katchis, M.D. can evaluate and diagnose your condition. A bunion is a progressive condition that gets worse over time and treatment outcomes are significantly improved if medical evaluation is sought when symptoms first start. Most symptoms of a bunion can be improved with nonsurgical treatments, but in more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment options may involve:

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be required if nonsurgical treatments have not proven effective for improving symptoms and relieving pain, particularly in cases of more severe bunions. The type of surgical procedure recommended by Dr. Katchis will depend upon each patient’s unique situation.

Factors taken into consideration include:

• Severity of your bunion
• Your age
• Your activity level
• Condition of your bones and connective tissues

Surgical treatments include: