What Can I Do About My Bunions?

A bunion is a permanent joint deformity of the big toe caused by arthritis, injuries, or pronation issues involving the natural movement of your foot. If you have any of these conditions, your big toe may become misaligned over time and turn inward toward your other toes. This causes the joint to enlarge, and it can become very painful, leading to problems wearing shoes or walking.

Since bunions can become debilitating, it’s essential to take care of them properly. There are things you can do at home that will help, but these are only temporary fixes. Board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Kerry E. Berg, DPM, at Intermountain Foot & Ankle Associates in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers innovative solutions for your bunions.

Treatment for your bunions depends on the severity of your condition. Dr. Berg may recommend splinting or taping your toe, custom-designed orthotics to go inside your shoes, or something as simple as wearing comfortable shoes that have more room in the toe box. She can also teach you exercises to stretch out your toes and foot.

Other things you can do for your bunions

Dr. Berg has several other suggestions for dealing with your bunions:

• Try over-the-counter medications: Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or naproxen sodium (Aleve®) can help relieve pain and/or swelling.
• Use arch supports and shoe inserts: While these aren’t as good as custom orthotics, they can provide support for your foot and reduce symptoms.
• Take a warm bath: Soothe your feet by soaking them in a warm bath with Epsom salts.
• Try ice therapy: After a long day on your feet, your bunion and big toe may be swollen and painful. The best thing to do is rest it and apply ice.
• Rethink your shoes: The best footwear choices for people with bunions are sandals, sneakers or athletic shoes, and shoes with a low heel. Heels higher than two inches put too much pressure on the toes.
• Lose weight, if necessary: Being overweight causes extra pressure and strain on your feet.
• Use padding: You can buy bunion pads or moleskin at any drugstore to pad your bunion and make it more comfortable to wear shoes and walk around.

What if conservative measures aren’t enough?

If your pain is getting worse no matter what you do, it may be time to think about surgery. Dr. Berg discusses your options and lets you know which surgical procedure is best for your bunions.

For example, she may need to realign your big toe or remove swollen tissue from around the joint. Since she’s a podiatrist and a foot surgeon, you don’t have to go to another doctor for a surgical consultation. You get the best care by a doctor who already knows you and your medical history.

Stop letting bunions ruin your quality of life. Call our office to make an appointment with Dr. Berg or use our convenient online booking tool today.