If you’re tired of dealing with the pain and frustration of bunions, board-certified podiatrist Jennifer Tauber, DPM, and the team at New Canaan Podiatry have a non-surgical solution that relieves your symptoms and helps you avoid bunion surgery.
Our practice offers SupartzTM injection therapy to patients in New Canaan, Connecticut, who are looking for a safe and effective treatment for bunion pain. Take a moment to learn more about bunions and what to expect with this minimally invasive treatment.
Understanding bunions
Your foot develops a bunion when the joint where your big toe and foot connect compresses. This compression can cause the joint to move out of alignment.
At first, you might notice a small bump or a red sore-like spot on the side of your joint. But as you keep putting pressure on your feet by walking and standing, the joint gets pushed further out of its normal position.
Over time, this bump becomes bigger and more noticeable. It can be red and inflamed, which might hurt when touching the skin.
Anyone can get a bunion, but some people have a higher risk of getting these bony protrusions. Some of the factors that increase your chances of developing a bunion include:
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing high heels
- Family history
- Certain structural issues (e.g., hypermobile feet, flat feet, existing deformities)
- Engaging in actions that cause repetitive stress on the feet
- History of foot or toe injuries
Your risk of getting bunions is also higher if you have a history of arthritis or have certain neurological conditions that affect your feet.
Wearing the proper footwear for your feet, using custom orthotics and padded insoles, and taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications can help ease bunion pain. Dr. Tauber may recommend minimally invasive Supartz injections when these no longer provide enough relief.
Understanding Supartz injections
Supartz injections are a minimally invasive, in-office treatment that helps reduce the pain associated with bunions and helps improve joint function and motion. This FDA-approved therapy uses hyaluronic acid (HA).
Hyaluronic acid works like the natural fluid found in the joints of your body. This joint fluid lubricates and absorbs pressure in healthy joints, helping keep the joints protected and functioning.
The compression related to bunions pushes your toe joint out of place, causing it to lose some of the naturally occurring HA. This leads to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Supartz injections don’t cure bunions or rid you of the bony protrusion. Still, they can provide tremendous pain relief and restore function to your feet so you can resume your normal daily activities.
Side effects are minimal and most commonly include pain, bruising, redness, or puffiness at the injection site. Some people also experience mild swelling, numbness, or tingling sensations. Dr. Tauber reviews the possible side effects with you before treatment.
What to expect from Supartz injections
Suzpartz injections are quick and easy. Dr. Tauber cleaned the area and injected the medication into the affected toe joint.
After your injection, you should avoid physical activities that put added stress on your feet (e.g., running, heavy lifting, standing for long periods). You should plan to take it easy and wear comfortable, supportive shoes, especially as pain and tenderness may increase at first.
Everyone is different, and Dr. Tauber determines the correct dosage and number of injections based on your needs. However, most people require more than one Supartz injection before the full benefits set in.
Generally, you can expect to need 3-5 injections spread over 4-6 weeks. Be sure to tell Dr. Tauber immediately if your symptoms don’t gradually improve or worsen.
If you want to learn more about Supartz injection therapy for bunions, schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Tauber at New Canaan Podiatry today.