Pain Relief from Bunions
Bunions make wearing shoes painful and uncomfortable. It makes simple activities such as walking and standing so difficult that it can negatively affect how we go about our normal activities.
Bunions develop when the joint located between the big toe and foot becomes inflamed. Pain, swelling and tenderness is noticed in the area. Over time, the bone becomes misaligned and the bump develops. Pain is caused by inflamed tissues pressing against the nerves. This is further aggravated when walking or standing as the foot absorbs the enormous stress of supporting our weight.
Some people are at high risk for developing bunions due to heredity. Bunions can also be caused by wearing tight fitting shoes that press the toes together. It can also be caused by shoes that interfere with normal weight distribution in the feet. High heels for example shift most of our weight to the toes which place above normal pressure in the toes.
The Goals of Bunion Treatment
A quick visit to your podiatrist gives you the best and safest treatment options for treating bunions.
· Immediate pain relief and reduction of future pain episodes
· Prevent bunions from progressing
· Treat the bunion and restore normal alignment without surgery if possible
· Help restore normal weight distribution in the feet
Apply and ice pack over the area to reduce swelling and help calm the nerves down. This provides temporary pain relief without using pain medications. Do this several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes to gradually reduce the swelling. A small swell now makes it possible for you to wear shoes without your toes constantly being pressed by the sides of your shoes.
Therapeutic footwear or shoes designed around your foot deformity can also episodes of pain and discomfort. A podiatrist may recommend therapeutic shoes with a wider toe area or those made from more flexible materials to relieve pressure on your toe joint.
Insoles provide additional foot support. This helps in distributing your weight more evenly and reduce pressure in your toe joint. Exercises can be employed to improve foot strength. It also keeps your joints loose.
If symptoms persist, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.