At Family Foot & Ankle Care, Dr. Philip Caswell helps patients suffering from pain from bunions in Sparta, NJ. Bunions can be painful and unsightly the bigger they get, so don't delay coming to see us.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of the big toe. Bunions are caused by an uneven weight distribution on the large toe joint. This usually happens because of constricting footwear forcing the toes together. This is why women are more likely to suffer from bunions, but they can also happen to anyone due to a foot injury or arthritis.
Treating Bunions
If you are having pain from a bunion the good news is there are several methods to relieve pain that you can try at home. Your podiatrist may recommend:
- Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with a large toe box
- Anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain
- Icing the toe for 15-20 minutes at a time
- Stretching the foot and toes every day to prevent stiffness
- Adhesive patches that pad the bunion in your shoes
- Shoe inserts that pad the bunion and help align the bones in your foot as you walk
- Wearing toe splints overnight to straighten out the toe
These measures may help relieve your pain and prevent stiffness in the toe, but if your pain persists you should see your podiatrist about bunions in Sparta, NJ.
Bunion surgery
Bunion surgery is usually only recommended if other measures haven't improved your pain. If your doctor thinks it is necessary, a bunionectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis. The surgeon removes the bump and manipulates the bones, ligaments, and tendons in your foot to relieve your pain.
Family Foot & Ankle Care is here to help when you're dealing with bunions in Sparta, NJ. To make an appointment with Dr. Philip Caswell, contact us at (973) 300-9151.