At Paul Klein, DPM FACFAS we find many cases of women suffering from bunions for many years before making an appointment at our office for treatment. Although bunions are a progressive disorder—meaning they won’t just go away on their own—there are many treatment options that can be applied to help correct or slow the progression of a bunion. These are most effective when used in the early stages of the conditions.
What Exactly is a Bunion?
Most people identify a bunion as a bump on the side of the big toe. While that is the outward appearance of a bunion, it is really just the visible sign of a deformity that is taking place internally in the foot. Due to a defective foot structure (which is usually inherited), the big toe leans toward the second toe, throwing off the alignment of the bones and causing the telltale bump. Wearing shoes that squeeze the toes together, such as those with narrow or pointy toe boxes or high heels which force toes together in the front of the shoe can greatly aggravate a bunion and speed its progression.
What Can Be Done?
There are several options that the foot doctor can prescribe to decrease pain and discomfort of a bunion and also help slow its progress. These include:
- Changes in footwear: choosing shoes with roomy toe boxes made of soft materials can bring some immediate pain relief. Avoid heels over two inches.
- Orthotics to reposition the foot and alleviate stress to the bunion
- Padding to protect and cushion the affected area
- Icing, injections and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can all be used to reduce pain and inflammation
There are also several surgical procedures that can be used for a more permanent correction of the deformity and relief of painful symptoms. Our podiatrist, Dr. Paul Klein has performed countless bunion makeovers with excellent results. To learn more about the best way to handle your bunion, contact our Wayne office by calling (973) 595-1555.
