Kick Painful Bunions to The Curb
With summer just around the corner, the last thing anyone wants is for painful, aggravating bunions to ruin their fun-in-the-sun plans. How can you say goodbye to painful bunions as summer officially begins? Read our helpful guide for treating bunions!
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a common foot deformity when a bump develops at the base of the big toe right at the joint. It can cause the big toe to bend and point toward the other toes. Because it occurs at the joint, putting weight on the front of the foot can be extremely painful. A bunion may become inflamed, causing swelling. Calluses are likely to develop. All these things can reduce mobility and decrease quality of life.
Who Gets Them?
Several factors increase your risk of getting a bunion, including:
- Tight-fitting footwear, especially high heels
- Stress to your foot
- Previous foot injuries
- Being overweight
- Arthritis
How Do You Know You Have One?
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you likely have a bunion:
- Chronic pain and discomfort when walking
- Swelling, redness, and tenderness
- Thickened skin
How Can You Get Rid of Them?
Unfortunately, bunions never go away on their own. However, there are several things you can do to prevent your bunions from getting worse, slow the progression, and ease the discomfort.
- Apply ice
- Rest your feet often
- Wear wide shoes that do not put pressure on the bunion
- Consider orthotics to provide stability and correct positioning
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
- Stretch your big toe to keep the joint mobile
- Receive a cortisone injection to reduce joint inflammation
- Try custom orthotics
Are you still experiencing pain and discomfort? Call your foot doctor ASAP!
At The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Levy, Dr. Nadia Levy, Dr. Diane Castro, Dr. Josef Geldwert, Dr. Katherine Lai, and Dr. Vera Malezhik treat various conditions. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, we offer cutting-edge care for patients in Midtown East and Manhattan. Contact our office at (212) 980-6487. Our office is at 120 E 56th Street, Suite 1150, New York, NY 10022. We continue to offer telemedicine appointments.
