Dealing with a bunion? A bunion is a misalignment of the big toe joint which causes the big toe to deviate. Bunions sometimes run in
families. Bunions can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too narrow or high heeled. Clintonville Foot & Ankle Group, which has offices in Clintonville, Dublin, and Southwest Columbus, OH, offers a complete range of podiatric services to the patients they serve. Here's how a podiatrist can help with bunions.
Medicine. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may ease any pain. If over-the-counter painkillers aren't working to ease your pain, your podiatrist may recommend a prescription medication. Antibiotics may also be needed if the skin and tissues over the deformity become infected.
Padding. Your podiatrist in Columbus, OH, may recommend bunion pads to treat your bunion. Bunion pads are typically made of skin, mole, felt, or gel and are thin enough to fit comfortably in your shoes. Pads placed over the areas of the bunion will ease painful shoe pressure and friction and allow you to continue an active life. Padding will also prevent bunions from getting worse.
Orthotics. Your podiatrist may recommend custom-made orthotics to help position your feet correctly as they strike the ground. Orthotics are shoe inserts or footbeds that are inserted into shoes. Research has shown that orthotics can improve joint function, ease bunion pain, and prevent progression of bunions. Podiatrists offer different custom-made orthotics to fit your needs.
Steroid Injections. Steroid injections, or cortisone injections, can relieve your pain temporarily by reducing inflammation. The steroid injections include a corticosteroid medication and local anesthetic. Steroid injections allow podiatrists to deliver a high dose of medication to the problem area.
Bunion Surgery. Generally, if your bunions aren't painful, you don't need surgery. If conservative measures fail and you still have pain that interferes with your daily activities, you may need bunion surgery. numerous surgical procedures for bunions are performed to treat bunions. The aim of surgery is to correct the deformity and eliminate discomfort.
Say hello to healthy and happy feet! For fast relief from bunion pain, call Clintonville/Dublin Foot & Ankle Group's offices to schedule an appointment- Clintonville, OH at (614) 267-8387; (614) 761-1466 in Dublin, OH; (614) 272-2313 for Southwest Columbus, OH. Our bunion treatments will do and your feet a world of good!