Foot discomfort may seem like a minor issue at first, but when bunion pain begins to interfere with walking, wearing shoes, or enjoying your daily routine, it’s time to seek professional help. Choosing the right provider, especially one with board certification, can make all the difference in how effectively your condition is managed and how well your feet recover.
At South Texas Podiatry in San Antonio, our team of experienced, board-certified podiatrists, led by Dr. Ed Davis, Dr. Silas Espino, and Dr. Bryan Sagray, offers comprehensive bunion care focused on both non-surgical relief and advanced surgical solutions. We are committed to helping you find a personalized treatment path that fits your lifestyle and relieves your pain. Whether you’re just beginning to experience bunion symptoms or have been managing them for years, we’re here to help.
Let’s explore how choosing board-certified care ensures you receive the highest standard of bunion treatment, from your first consultation to long-term relief.
What Is a Board-Certified Podiatrist?
A board-certified podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who has completed advanced clinical training and successfully passed rigorous examinations through a recognized certifying body, such as the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). This credential demonstrates a high level of expertise, experience, and commitment to delivering safe, effective care.
When you choose a board-certified podiatrist, you're choosing a provider who offers:
- Specialized training in both surgical and non-surgical treatments, including complex bunion procedures and foot reconstruction
- Expertise in conservative therapies such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, and lifestyle guidance to manage symptoms without surgery whenever possible
- A comprehensive, evidence-based approach that addresses not just symptoms like pain and swelling, but the root causes of foot and ankle conditions
- A strong focus on outcomes, prioritizing faster healing, reduced complications, and better long-term mobility
This level of certification ensures you receive the highest standard of care from a doctor who is deeply invested in your foot health and recovery.
Expert Diagnosis and Treatment for Bunions
A bunion, or hallux valgus, develops when the joint at the base of the big toe gradually shifts out of alignment, creating a prominent, often painful bump on the side of the foot. While abnormal foot structure is one of the primary causes, bunions can also be aggravated by factors such as poorly fitting shoes, prior injuries, or underlying conditions like arthritis.
Common reasons patients seek bunion care include:
- Persistent pain while walking or standing for long periods
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness over the joint
- Limited or painful big toe movement
- Crowding or overlapping of the second toe
- Difficulty staying active due to foot discomfort
At South Texas Podiatry, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we address the underlying mechanics contributing to your bunion. Using advanced diagnostic tools and hands-on expertise, our podiatrists create a personalized treatment plan that promotes pain relief, improved joint function, and long-term mobility.
Non-Surgical Bunion Relief
At South Texas Podiatry, we prioritize conservative care whenever possible. Our non-surgical bunion treatments are designed to relieve discomfort, improve joint function, and help slow the progression of the deformity, especially for early-stage bunions.
Non-invasive options we may recommend include:
- Custom orthotics: Designed to correct abnormal foot mechanics, redistribute pressure, and reduce stress on the bunion area.
- Bunion pads and toe spacers: Help cushion the joint, minimize friction, and gently realign the big toe.
- Shoe guidance: We recommend the best shoes for bunions—those with a wide toe box, supportive soles, and a low heel—to prevent aggravating the joint.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises: Target the foot and calf muscles to enhance flexibility, support the big toe joint, and maintain healthy movement patterns.
- Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory treatments: Reduce swelling, calm irritated tissue, and provide day-to-day relief from bunion pain.
These treatments are especially effective for patients looking to avoid or delay bunion surgery. They’re tailored to your lifestyle, foot structure, and long-term goals, ensuring comfort and mobility without the need for invasive procedures.
When Surgery Becomes the Right Choice
If bunion pain continues despite non-surgical care or if the deformity begins to affect your ability to walk, wear shoes comfortably, or stay active, surgery may offer the most lasting solution. At South Texas Podiatry, our board-certified podiatrists offer advanced, minimally invasive bunion surgery options designed to restore joint alignment and relieve pain with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Surgical options include:
- Mild bunionectomies: Ideal for early-stage bunions, this approach involves removing the bony bump and making minor soft tissue adjustments.
- Head procedures: These focus on repositioning the metatarsal head—the rounded portion of the first metatarsal bone—to realign the big toe joint. Small screws or pins may be used to maintain correction during healing.
- Base procedures: Recommended for more advanced deformities, these involve bone cuts or wedge removal at the base of the toe, as well as soft tissue balancing to achieve proper alignment.
At South Texas Podiatry, each surgical plan is tailored to your individual anatomy and lifestyle. We prioritize preserving joint function, minimizing downtime, and helping you return to comfortable, confident movement.
Why Choose South Texas Podiatry?
At South Texas Podiatry, we believe in treating the root cause of your foot and ankle problems—not just masking the symptoms. Our board-certified podiatrists, including Dr. Ed Davis, Dr. Silas Espino, and Dr. Bryan Sagray, are dedicated to delivering effective, patient-focused care tailored to your specific needs.
Here’s what sets our practice apart:
- State-of-the-art diagnostics: Our in-office digital X-rays, ultrasound imaging, and fluoroscopy provide quick and accurate assessments of foot and ankle conditions.
- Advanced technology: We utilize cutting-edge tools such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), custom 3D orthotics, and radiofrequency ablation to support faster healing and long-term relief.
- Full-spectrum services: From non-surgical bunion relief and physical therapy guidance to minimally invasive and reconstructive surgical options, we offer comprehensive care under one roof.
- Personalized treatment plans: We take the time to understand your lifestyle, activity level, and long-term goals, then build a treatment strategy designed specifically for you.
With a reputation for clinical precision and compassionate care, our team has helped countless patients across San Antonio regain mobility, reduce pain, and walk confidently again.
Step Toward Comfort with Expert Bunion Care
Bunions can be painful, progressive, and disruptive, but expert help is closer than you think. Choosing a board-certified podiatrist means you’ll receive trusted care, precise diagnosis, and a treatment plan focused on results.
Call South Texas Podiatry at (210) 490-3668 or request your appointment online to meet with Dr. Ed Davis, Dr. Silas Espino, or Dr. Bryan Sagray. Our team is ready to help you step confidently into life without bunion pain.
