Bunions Specialist

Florida Foot and Ankle

Mark A. Matey, DPM

Podiatrist located in Jacksonville, FL

While not necessarily dangerous, bunions have a way of making life truly difficult, as even the most sensible shoes can start to feel like torture devices. At Florida Foot and Ankle, Mark Matey, DPM, offers both conservative and surgical treatment for bunions, helping to resolve the problem as quickly, and early, as possible. To get started, call one of the three locations in Jacksonville or Palm Coast, Florida, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.

Bunions Q & A

What are bunions?

Bunions, which are medically known as hallux valgus, are bony protrusions that develop at the base of your big toes, on the insides of your feet. Bunions start out gradually, but as the condition progresses, it can have a widespread impact on the rest of your foot as your big toe migrates inward, sometimes over or under your second toe.

While this shift in your toeline can be problematic, the pain a bunion can cause is considerable. If the bony protrusion becomes inflamed, even a brush with a bedsheet can be unbearable, never mind wearing shoes.

What causes bunions?

There’s some debate behind the cause of bunions, with camps divided between footwear and bone structure. Odds are that there’s a bit of both at play. If you’ve inherited feet that are structurally prone to bunions, your risk is higher of developing the condition.

Now add tight, pointy shoes and high heels to the list, and you have the ideal conditions for bunions to develop.

Aside from heredity and foot structure, some injuries can alter your foot in a way that allows bunions to develop.

How are bunions treated?

Bunions are progressive and don’t go away on their own. If you catch your bunion in its early development, Dr. Matey can put in place some measures that will slow or halt the progression of your bunions. To do this, he turns to:

Padding
Splinting
Orthotics
Change in footwear

If your bunions are unresponsive and Dr. Matey finds, through X-ray imaging, that the angle of your metatarsal is moderate to severe, he recommends a surgical solution to correct the problem. Called a bunionectomy, Dr. Matey typically performs the procedure on an outpatient basis, which means you’re free to return home on the same day.

There are different variations of a bunionectomy, depending upon the stage of your bunion, but in all cases, Dr. Matey makes every effort to speed your recovery as much as is safely possible.

For expert care of your bunions, call one of the three Florida Foot and Ankle locations or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.

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