Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

You’re probably familiar with bunions on the inward-facing side of the big toe. But did you know bunions can occur in other places, as well? At the offices of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, we provide treatments for all kinds of foot deformities, including Tailor’s bunions. These less-common protuberances affect the outside of the smallest toe, and can cause a lot of trouble. Tailor’s bunions develop where one of the metatarsals, the long bones in the mid-section of the foot, meets the base of the pinky toe. As the metatarsal drifts outward, the toe bends inward, creating an inconvenient bump. Although the bunion may be caused by a bone spur, the displacement of the metatarsal is more often caused by genetics and shoes that cramp the toes. It is also likelier to develop when a person has tight calf muscles. We can reduce the discomfort from a chaffed tailor’s bunion by providing anti-inflammatory medications. These may be delivered orally or through an injection. If a case is severe, surgical...

It’s typical for people to assume older individuals are more prone to bunions when in actuality, people of all ages and at any fitness level can develop them. Though, this foot condition is more common in women and, yes, older individuals. Bunions can develop as a result of an inherited defect, stress on the foot, arthritis, or from wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions are permanent unless surgically corrected. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC want to help our patients alleviate the pain associated with this foot condition. Bunions form when your big toe pushes against the toe next to it, forcing the joint of the big toe to grow and stick out more than normal. This area becomes inflamed, swollen, and radiates persistent or intermittent pain. You should see your New Jersey podiatrist if you experience constant pain in your big toe or foot, or if you notice decreased movement or a visible bump on your big toe joint. If you find it difficult to find shoes that fit correctly because of your...

A bunion looks like a big bump on the outside of the big toe, but it is actually caused by a deformity of the bones in the foot.  Bunions are created when the big toe leans and pushes against the second toe.  This changes the bone structure of the toes over time, and forms the visible bump at the base of the big toe.  Whether you are experiencing a bunion or hoping to prevent them, the doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry recommend some simple foot care to keep you from getting bummed out by a bunion! The best proactive measure to take is choosing comfortable and supportive footwear.  This issue is exacerbated by wearing high-heeled or pointy-toed shoes, putting women at a higher risk of developing bunions.  Choose a pair of shoes with enough room in the toe box area for all the toes to fit comfortably.  Strong support in the sole also helps evenly distribute weight and puts less pressure on the toes.  If you’ve already developed bunions, you may experience symptoms like pain and inflammat...

Bunions are one of the most common problems we deal with at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry. These bulges on the side of the foot at the base of the toe are the result of a bone deformity, and while they are not always painful, they are often inconvenient. The causes of bunions are poorly understood, although they mostly occur in women and seem to be correlated with genetics and arthritis. They are caused by the big toe pushing against its neighbor, pushing the big toe’s base out of alignment. Some people get bunions on the little toe for the same reason. The bulge may be red and swollen and the misalignment may put stress on other structures in the foot, resulting in inflammation and skin damage. The only permanent solution for a bunion is surgery to cut away the protuberance and realign the rest of the toe bones. However, doctors often observe that swelling decreases when the patient wears shoes that are roomier and provide better structural support. Podiatrists can help patients to get the ri...