Bunion pain got you down? Find out how our podiatrists can help you manage your bunion symptoms.
Dealing with a bunion? You might think that this is just a weird growth on the bone at the base of your big toe, but it’s actually caused by a structural defect in the big toe joint that occurs over time. You may even notice that your big toe is leaning inward on your other foot. Of course, if bunions are something you’re dealing with, our Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, foot doctors Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel also know how important it is to get the problem under control before it gets worse. Here are some simple ways to manage bunion symptoms on your own:
- Wear shoes that do not put pressure on the bunion and that have a wide toe box (toes should be able to wiggle and move around freely without being bunched up)
- Stay away from shoes that do not provide arch support
- Make sure your feet are properly measured before getting new shoes. Also, toss any old, worn-out shoes, as they won’t provide your feet with the support they need.
- Consider turning to our podiatrists for custom shoe inserts
- Wear toe spacers or splint the big toe while sleeping to reduce morning symptoms
- Soak feet in warm water to ease pain and inflammation
- Take a painkiller when you’re experiencing bunion pain and swelling
- Massage feet daily
When should I see a podiatrist about my bunion?
If you only suspect that you have a bunion but the only thing you’ve done is look up pictures on the Internet to see if you might have a bunion, then you need to first turn to a qualified doctor. Our Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, foot doctors can easily diagnose a bunion through a simple physical examination.
The sooner you see a doctor the better, as we can provide you with recommendations and tips for how to slow the deformity’s progression. We’ve helped many patients avoid surgery by helping them adjust their activities and lifestyle to accommodate their condition.
You should also turn to our podiatrists if you’ve been given an at-home treatment plan but you’re still experiencing pain and other symptoms. If your bunion symptoms are impacting your daily activities and causing significant pain, then it’s also time to talk with us about more effective solutions for treating your bunions.
It is possible that you could have a bunion but not even know it. After all, this is a problem that develops gradually over time. So, if you start to notice that joint at the base of your big toe getting larger it’s time to see our foot doctors, Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel in Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL. Call Emerald Coast Podiatry today at (850) 862-4119, or (850)-682-6522 to book an appointment.