Are you dealing with a bunion? Here’s what to do about it….
Bunions are foot deformities that often cause the big toe joint (at the toe’s base) to become enlarged. If you don’t provide your feet with the care they need, you’ll deal with a very large and very painful bunion. Our Hampton and Williamsburg, VA, podiatrists Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas want to prevent that from happening by making sure you have your treatment plan in place.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
A bunion is progressive; therefore, you might not even realize you have it, especially during the earliest stages; however, it can lead to pain and swelling as the bunion enlarges. It may also make standing, walking or certain activities worse. Here are some helpful at-home tips for treating your bunions,
- Wear a gel pad or moleskin over the bunion to prevent shoes from rubbing against the skin, which can lead to a callus
- Give your feet a nice warm soak for 15 minutes at a time or whenever you feel like your feet are a little achy and sore
- Take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen to ease pain and discomfort
- Practice specific foot stretches that can ease stiffness and help strengthen the soft tissue around the bunion
- Massage your feet daily or turn to a massage therapist who can give your feet some therapeutic pampering (that can also ease pain and discomfort)
- Wear properly fitted shoes that don’t put pressure on the bunion or scrunch up the toes
- Avoid high heels or shoes with pointed toes, which can also put too much pressure on your bunion
Should I See a Podiatrist?
If you are doing all the things above to ease your bunions and you aren’t noticing relief, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our Hampton and Williamsburg, VA, podiatrists. We can provide you with other pain-relieving treatment options, including custom orthotics and night splints. We can even help you choose the appropriate footwear to wear with a bunion.
When to Consider Bunion Surgery
Most people with bunions will not need surgery; however, it’s essential that you put in the care and good practices now to slow the progress of the bunion. Surgery is the only way to repair the damaged joint truly, and surgery may be right for you if you’ve tried all treatment options and nothing has alleviated your pain. Bunion surgery may also be right for you if you deal with severe, daily foot pain that impacts your life. If your bunion pain has been going on for more than a year, our team may recommend surgery.
Are bunions still giving you issues? If so, it’s time to turn to the Hampton and Williamsburg, VA, podiatrists Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists to discuss your options. Call our Williamsburg office at (757) 220-3311 or our Hampton location at (757) 224-7605.