Bunion Treatment
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe as the bone gradually shifts out of alignment. Bunions can develop from an inherited structural difference, excess stress on the foot, or an existing medical condition, and they often become more painful as they progress. At Cella Foot & Ankle Specialty, Dr. Antonella Cella offers both conservative and advanced surgical options for bunions, helping patients in Fair Lawn, NJ relieve pain and restore the function of the big toe joint.
Understanding Bunions
Although bunions are sometimes mistaken for a simple overgrowth of bone that can be "shaved off," they are actually complex three-dimensional deformities caused by instability in a joint in the middle of the foot. With each step, your full body weight presses against the bunion, which is why many patients experience increasing discomfort over time. For the most part, mild bunions require no medical treatment, but if you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, redness, difficulty wearing shoes, or reduced movement of the big toe, a podiatrist can help alleviate your symptoms. Conservative options such as supportive footwear, padding, and custom molded orthotics can relieve pressure, while patients with crowded or overlapping toes may also find our foot and toe pain page helpful.
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™
Dr. Cella is proud to offer an exciting treatment option that does far more than simply remove the bunion's bump. The Lapiplasty® Procedure addresses all three dimensions of your bunion to correct the root of the problem, an unstable joint, rather than only the visible symptom. Advanced fixation technology secures the correction in place, allowing patients to return to their activities quickly. Learn more on our Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction page, or call (201) 773-6557 today to find out whether you may be a candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes bunions to form?
Bunions are most often caused by an inherited foot structure that creates instability in the joint at the base of the big toe. Excess stress on the foot, certain types of footwear, injuries, and conditions such as arthritis can all contribute to their development and progression.
Can bunions be treated without surgery?
In many cases, early bunion symptoms can be managed conservatively with supportive footwear, padding, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory measures. These approaches relieve pain and may slow progression, but they cannot reverse the deformity. Surgery is recommended when pain interferes with daily life.
What is Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction?
Lapiplasty® is an advanced surgical technique that corrects the bunion in three dimensions and stabilizes the joint at the root of the deformity. Because the correction is secured with titanium fixation, many patients are able to walk within days of surgery rather than spending weeks non-weight bearing.
Will my bunion get worse over time?
Bunions are progressive, meaning they tend to worsen as the years go on. As the joint continues to shift, the bump enlarges and pain often increases. Early evaluation allows you to manage symptoms and discuss treatment before the deformity becomes severe.
Do bunions come back after surgery?
Traditional bunion surgery that addresses only the bump can have higher recurrence rates because it does not correct the unstable joint. Procedures such as Lapiplasty® that stabilize the root cause are designed to provide a more durable correction. Dr. Cella will recommend the best procedure for your specific foot.
Are bunions hereditary?
The tendency to develop bunions often runs in families because the underlying foot structure and mechanics are inherited. Wearing tight or narrow shoes does not directly cause bunions but can worsen the pain and speed up progression in someone already prone to them.
When should I see a podiatrist about a bunion?
You should schedule an evaluation if your bunion is painful, growing, interfering with footwear, or affecting your ability to walk comfortably. Early assessment helps you understand your options and prevent further progression.