If you wear tight and ill-fitting shoes, one of the issues that may arise is bunions. These form when the toes and the rest of the foot press up too tightly against the toecap (front part) of the shoe. When pushed into a very tight space, the toes may cross each other. The propensity for women to wear tight and high shoes increases their risk, which my lead them to the bunion doctor in Hyde Park.
Bunions and Bunionettes
A bunion (hallux valgus) forms at the base of the big toe. It is an enlargement of the tissue or bone located there. If the bunion forms at the bottom of the little toe, a doctor may refer to it as a bunionette or “tailor’s bunion”. While wearing improperly-fitting footwear for a prolonged period is a major cause, arthritis and genetics can also play a role.
Initial Treatments
Upon seeing your doctor, they may make several recommendations. None of them involves surgery. Surgery is the last option a bunion doctor wishes to take. Instead, the medical professional will suggest you alter several aspects of your life and adopt the following approach:
Ditch the ill-suited footwear for comfortable, well-fitting shoes and boots. They will advise you opt for footwear that does not press upon certain areas. Foot doctors tend to favor footwear that corresponds to the shape of your foot.
Employ various supportive devices such as splint to help reposition the toes that has been pushed astray.
Wear special shoe inserts – orthotics to help move the toes back into place.
Bunion pads can also help reduce the pain and make your foot more comfortable. They may stick to your bunion or looped into place. You can choose between disposable and reusable pads. The latter are made from fleece or gel and can be found in almost any pharmacy.
If the root of the bunion is arthritis, your foot doctor may prescribe or recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications to reduce the swelling and decrease the pain. Common painkillers your doctor may suggest are paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Icepacks can relieve the swelling and reduce the pain when applied to the most affected area several times daily.
Your doctor may also recommend other non-surgical treatment. They will make sure you understand your options and make recommendations based upon a discussion of the severity of the condition as well as other related issues.
Contact a Bunion Doctor
When you have bunions, you should not ignore it. You need to contact a specialist so they can recommend the best approach to the problem. The initial steps always preclude surgery. You may have to change your style of footwear and use orthotic devices, but, if you pay attention to your bunion doctor, this small sacrifice will mean you no longer having to suffer from the pain a bunion can cause.
Mitchell Foot & Ankle is a medical facility with a highly-experienced staff dedicated to provide all their patients with high-quality, devoted care. With specialists in every field, including foot doctors and a bunion doctors, their facilities can offer a variety of services to their patients. Excellent customer service combines with an exceedingly-skilled medical staff to provide you with the best care possible. To learn more about their practice and what it offers, visit them online at Mitchell Foot & Ankle.
