Washington DC Area Podiatrist Offers Bunion Surgery

Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland provides an array of treatments for foot and ankle problems. If a bunion has you down, Dr. Michael Frank, Washington DC area podiatrist can talk bunion surgery. Find the full details below

Budding bunions aren't something to scoff at. A bunion is an unnatural bump at the base of the big toe. If it's unnatural, it's only natural to treat it, especially if you experience pain while walking. Since it is a "bony bump," To alleviate pain during daily activities, roomy shoes, bunion pads and non-prescription pain medicine are used to decrease the pressure placed on the bunion. However, nonsurgical treatments don't always produce the desired outcomes.

"If a bunion is progressive, surgical removal of the bone deformity may be required. When nonsurgical methods aren't working, patients can turn to bunion surgery, formally known as a bunionectomy," says Dr. Michael Frank, Washington DC area podiatrist.

A bunionectomy accounts for two types of procedures: head and base treatment. A head procedure targets the bone just behind the big toe joint. If a bunion is causing a patient to be immobile at frequent times during the day, a head procedure may be required. Base procedures are used for more severe bunion deformities, allowing the it to be properly aligned with the toe joint.

Like every treatment option, there will be limitations. A successful bunion surgery requires an experienced surgeon, combined treatment plan and realistic expectations from the patient.

Post-treatment care is critical to the success of a bunion surgery.
To reduce the chance of getting another bunion, Dr. Frank recommends that patients make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding ill-fitted shoes. Dr. Frank and his staff create customized treatment plans for each patient.

Are nonsurgical treatments not helping? To schedule a consultation for bunion surgery in the Washington DC area, call Dr. Frank's office at (301) 439-0300. Dr. Frank also works at two other locations in the Washington DC area. Go to www.marylandfeet.com for more information about office locations, staff and available services.