Bunions are a common, and painful foot issue your podiatrist can treat. A bunion appears as a hard bony bump on the side of your big toe, at your big toe joint. The podiatrists at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas provide a wide range of podiatry services, including the treatment of bunions. They have two convenient office locations in Hampton, and Williamsburg, VA, to help you and your feet.
What You Need to Know About Bunions
A genetic bone deformity makes you more susceptible to developing bunions. This bone deformity causes the big toe joint to protrude outward. The joint begins to rub on the inside of your shoe. The constant irritation causes inflammation, and eventually, a bunion will form.
You are at greater risk of developing a bunion if you wear narrow, pointed-toe shoes. Your toes become crushed together, causing an increase in friction at the big toe joint. Women are much more likely to develop bunions.
If you develop a small bunion, home remedies can provide some relief. You can try:
- Wearing pads or inserts to provide cushion
- Taping the bunion to provide support
- Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
- Changing to wider, more supportive shoes
If you develop a large, painful bunion, it’s best to see your podiatrist, who may recommend:
- Custom-fit orthotics and footwear to provide support
- Corticosteroid injections around the bunion to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation
For large, painful bunions, your podiatrist may also recommend surgery to remove the bunion, known as a bunionectomy. During a bunionectomy, the bunion is removed and your foot structure is realigned.
Want To Know More About Bunions and Bunion Treatment?
To find out more about the causes, risk factors, and treatment of bunions, call the podiatrists at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists. You can reach them in Williamsburg, VA, by calling (757) 220-3311, or in Hampton, VA, by calling (757) 224-7605, so call today.