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Have you noticed that the joint connecting your foot to your big toe has developed a swollen, sore bump? You may be suffering from bunions. Today, Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing what you need to know about this condition and what can be done about it.
More than one-third of American women deal with bunions, and they are typically the result of wearing narrow shoes or high heels; however, they can also be genetic.
Bunions form when the big toe grows and sticks out from the rest of the foot. The skin covering this joint may be tender and red and become painful enough to make even wearing shoes very challenging.
The skin on the bottom of the foot can also thicken and become painful. The pressure from your big toe might also move the second toe out of alignment, causing it to cross over the third toe. Untreated bunions can cause deformity, making it difficult to walk, and resulting in chronic pain and even arthritis.
Getting Relief from the Pain and Discomfort of Bunions
If you are already dealing with bunions, wearing properly-fitting shoes will help decrease the pressure placed on it and provide some pain relief. You can also place bunion pads on the pointy area of the bunion.
Additionally, stretches, exercises, and toe spacers can help move the toe back out to its natural position. This will also keep the other toes from being moved out of alignment. Stretches can be done both in the morning and the evening and the toe spacer socks can be worn while sleeping.
Certain types of orthotics can also help distribute pressure away from specific areas of your foot to allow for healing and pain relief.
When to See a Podiatrist for Bunions
If your bunion is not getting better, you might have to consider talking with your podiatrist, who may recommend surgery. During this type of surgery, the bone will be aligned with the ligaments, tendons, and nerves, and allow the toe to return to the proper spot.
If you’re tired of living with a painful bunion, or are having difficulty wearing your favorite shoes, contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC today to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724.