Are you seeking relief from your bunions? Bunions often run in families and are caused when the tissue or bone at the bottom joint of the big toe moves out of place, causing a bump to form at the side of the foot. The official name for bunion is hallux valgus, a formation from years of pressure from walking or poor shoe support at the base of the big toe. Genetic inheritance is among the most common causes of bunion deformity; however, woman are more symptomatic due to their use of high-heeled shoes. Bunions may occur without any aches or discomfort, but if you are feeling your bunion each day as you go about your routine, there are several steps you can take.
Treating Bunions at Home
While you cannot get rid of a bunion without surgery, you can alleviate the aches caused by the bunion. The Foot Doctors of KC recommend the following treatments:
- Wear low-heeled comfortable shoes as much as possible
- Maintain a healthy weight or reduce your weight if you are overweight
- Protect the bunion with a specially-made pad that you can buy over-the-counter at a pharmacy
- Use arch supports or custom orthotics to position your foot properly inside your shoes
- Use analgesics such as aspirin to reduce aches
- Buy shoes that are wider in the toe area to eliminate rubbing and irritating the bunion
Consulting With Your Podiatrist
It is always a good idea to consult with The Foot Doctor’s of KC regarding your bunions. Our doctors will be aware of the latest technologies for treating bunions. If your bunion is disrupting your life due to discomfort on a regular basis, you may need to consider surgery. The Foot Doctors of KC in Lee’s Summit and Belton, MO can advise you as to what surgery is necessary and if you need it.
Surgery is not always the answer, however it is often recommended if the bunion is causing other conditions in the foot such as bursitis, hammertoes, or problems with the ball of your foot. Surgery will realign the toe and remove the bump on your foot. For further questions or concerns regarding bunions, call The Foot Doctors of KC podiatry office nearest you in Lee’s Summit Missouri or Belton, Missouri.
THIS INFORMATION IS NOT MEANT AS MEDICAL ADVICE – IT IS PROVIDED SOLELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. OUR PODIATRY OFFICES IN LEE’S SUMMIT AND BELTON, MISSOURI WOULD BE PLEASED TO DISCUSS YOUR UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEEDS AS THEY RELATE TO THESE TOPICS.
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