Are You Dealing With Bunions?

Don’t let bunion pain dictate how you live your life. Find out how to get your symptoms under control.

Are you noticing swelling or pain at the base of your big toe? Is there a hard, bony mass present? If you said “yes,” then you could very well be dealing with a bunion. Although many people will develop bunions over time and not necessarily suffer from any negative effects, if you are experiencing pain or other symptoms from this deformity, it’s a good time to visit one of our offices in either Philadelphia or Paoli, PA, to find out what’s going on.

You have a bunion. Now what?

If you already know that you have a bunion, you are probably wondering what’s the next step to reduce any pain and swelling. Fortunately, most people are relieved to find out that they can easily prevent their bunion from getting worse or from becoming aggravated with some simple at-home strategies, such as:

• Wearing appropriate footwear that supports the feet and doesn’t put pressure on the bunion
• Applying a pad to the bunion prior to wearing shoes in order to reduce friction and pressure
• Taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
• Applying ice or heat to the bunion several times a day to ease achiness and pain
• Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle

When these conservative treatment options fail it’s time to turn to our foot specialists in either Philadelphia or Paoli, PA, to find out what other options are out there for managing your symptoms. In this case, we can show you certain stretching and strengthening exercises that can alleviate pressure.

We may also recommend:

• Custom orthotics (shoe inserts), which can provide additional support and cushioning when standing or moving
• Night splints, which will straighten the deformed joint while you sleep in order to reduce morning pain and stiffness.
• Taking a prescription pain reliever in the cases of extreme discomfort

If we have exhausted all nonsurgical treatment options and you still aren’t experiencing relief, then we may recommend bunion surgery to repair the joint. While surgery is the only way to truly get rid of a bunion, surgery is rarely necessary unless pain is severe, persistent, and cannot be eased through other treatment options.

Need relief? Give us a call

Wondering if a bunion is causing your foot pain? Having trouble managing your pain effectively with at-home care? If so, call Paoli and Center City FootCare Centers in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA, today to schedule and appointment with either Dr. Robert Cohen or Dr. Ushma Sheth. Dial (610) 647-0400 for Paoli, and (215) 545-0388 for Philadelphia.