Bunion Treatment Begins at Home

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If your foot is screaming, you need to listen and take a good look. If you notice a deformity along the side of your foot at the base of your big toe, you may have bunion. Bunions are progressive deformities of the foot caused by a realignment of the joint. They are most often caused by wearing shoes that do not allow the foot to maintain a normal position. Bunions can be painful but may cause no symptoms at all. More common in women, these aggravating foot issues can often be treated at home.

1. Change Your Shoes

Do you commonly wear shoes that provide little space for your toes? If your daily shoes are pointed or otherwise squeeze the front of your foot, it’s time to change them. Wear shoes that give the front of your foot plenty of room and give your toes space to move. This alleviates pressure from being placed squarely on your bunion.

2. Pad Your Protrusion

Bunions can be seen. They look like bumps on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. You can purchase pads made especially for bunions at the drug store or in most big box stores. Non-medicated bunion pads can provide the cushioning your foot is aching for.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Almost any brand-name or generic pain reliever that you can buy over-the-counter will help ease the discomfort caused by a bunion. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen will all work to counteract the pain. If you choose to take pain medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it won’t interact with any other medications you are on.

4. Ice and Rest

If you spend a long day on your feet or in uncomfortable shoes, give your feet a rest at the end of the day. Take your shoes off, put your feet up and apply a bag of ice to your foot. This will help to alleviate your discomfort and reduce any inflammation that is present.

When Home Treatments Don’t Work

When you have tried to take care of your bunion at home and nothing is working, surgical intervention may be an option. A visit to an experienced podiatrist is in order. Surgery is not always recommended for bunions so it’s important to discuss all of your options with a foot doctor.

Recovery following bunion surgery can be almost immediate or take several months. After bunion surgery, people may need to change their style of preferred footwear to prevent recurrence. Speak to your doctor about what you can realistically expect after bunion surgery.

If you live in Salt Lake City and have a bunion or believe you may, contact Dr. Elizabeth Auger. Dr. Auger will examine your feet, diagnose your issues and provide you with your treatment options. Call the office today to schedule your appointment and take your first step toward comfort.