How To Get Rid Of Bunions On Toes

How do you know if you have a bunion?

A bunion is an aching bony bump that grows on the inside part of the foot at the big toe joint (while a Bunionette grows on the outside). Bunions are often referred to as hallux valgus. The most noticeable sign is a protruding lump on the joint. It may hurt and be swollen or irritated. It can also make it difficult to move your toes, particularly your big toe.

Why do I have a bunion?

Bunions may be caused by:

Wearing poorly fitted shoes -particularly shoes with a narrow, pointy toe box which changes the toes' position into an unnatural one.
Heredity factors -some people inherit prone to developing bunions (owing to their form and structure)
Inflammatory disorder , caused by factors conditions as rheumatoid arthritis
A neuromuscular condition , such as polio.

What can I do to shrink a bunion?

1. Wear wide shoes with a low heel and soft sole

In most cases, bunion pain is relieved by wearing wider shoes with adequate toe room and using other simple treatments to reduce pressure on the big toe.

2. Try bunion pads

Bunion pads are soft pads you put in your shoes to stop them rubbing on a bunion –you can purchase these from a pharmacy.

3. Hold an ice pack

Holding an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on the bunion for up to 5 minutes at a time helps to reduce to pain and the inflammation. According to the UK's National Health Service , it's a good way to control the size of your bunions.

4. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen

Anti-inflammatory and pain-relief drugs will help you contain both the pain and the inflammation. Make sure you don't overuse them, and when the pain becomes unbearable, contact a foot doctor in Cary.

5. Try to lose weight

If you have some extra pounds, try to lose them. You may find out that your pain and swelling may be reduced if you can only give those therapists a chance. When in doubt, contact foot doctor in Raleigh.

And one more…

6. Bunion surgery (Yes! They do exist!)

Your physician may recommend surgery for your bunion if, despite the above-mentioned treatments, you still have pain and trouble walking. Bunion surgery readjusts the bone, ligaments, tendons, and nerves in order for the big toe to be brought back to its original position.
There are numerous surgical procedures to fix bunions. Even though many are outpatient, a lengthy recovery is common after a bunion surgery.

You should consider seeing a foot doctor in Raleigh, at Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, if:

the pain hasn't improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks;
the pain is stopping you doing your normal activities;
your bunions are getting worse;
you also have diabetes -foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes.

The board certified, fellowship trained foot & ankle surgeons at Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic bring together many years of experience to diagnose and treat even the most complex foot and ankle conditions for patients of all ages. They include:

Dr. David Boone
Dr. Kevin Logel
Dr. Carroll Kratzer

Make an appointment with your foot doctor in Holly Springs , Raleigh, Cary, or Garner today, to get specialized treatment with a personal approach.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.