Ignoring Bunions Won't Make Them Go Away

It’s summer time and that means sandals and open shoes and going barefoot at the beach or pool. If you have a bunion it’s difficult to ignore during this season. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, we want patients to know that “doing nothing” about a bunion is not healthy. Bunions are a progressive condition caused by a deformity in the bone of the big toe that results in an enlargement of the joint at the base of the toe. Gradually, this enlarged joint forces the toe out of place, pushing it toward the next toe and producing a large bump on the side of your foot.

Worse than being unattractive, bunion deformities become increasingly painful and debilitating the longer they are left untreated. Shoes rub and press on the bump causing blisters, corns and calluses and arthritisor bursitis often develops in these stressed joints causing extreme pain with every step you take.

Treatment Options

That’s why it’s important to come into our Waldorf or Clinton office and let our podiatrist, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss, evaluate your bunion. Although surgery to remove the bunion and properly reposition the toe is sometimes the only choice to prevent a patient from becoming permanently disabled, the foot doctor has several other conservative treatment options that can be tried first. These include:

• Fixing your footwear. Wearing shoes that are designed to accommodate the bunion without rubbing or pressing on it can slow the growth of the bunion by reducing the pressure put on it. Orthotic devices may be recommended as well to help properly position the foot and stabilize the joint.

• Cleaning up calluses. Removing calluses and corns that have formed on the skin as a result of the bunion can decrease pain and irritation.

• Adding padding. Strategically placing pads on the feet can reduce or even eliminate pain rubbing from shoes.

• Splinting at night. This can line the toe and joint up correctly and help keep them in place. This is particularly suggested for teens whose bone development may still be somewhat malleable.

• Exercise. Stretches and exercises for the toes and feet can relieve stiffness, maintain the joint’s range of motion and prevent arthritis.

If you have a bunion, contact our office for an appointment and learn how to get relief.