Finding the Right Treatment for Your Bunions

Are you dealing with a bunion? Pain relief may be as simple as proper home care. 

A bunion is a hard, painful bump that often appears at the base of the big toe. As the bump grows larger, it causes the big toe to lean toward or even cross over the smaller toes. If you suspect the beginnings of a bunion, turn to our Hollywood, FL, podiatrists, Dr. Barney Greenberg and Dr. Luis Perez, right away for help.

How do I know that I have a bunion? 

While a bunion can develop on just about any toe joint, it most often appears on the joint at the base of the big toe. If you notice that the joint suddenly juts out more than usual, this could be a telltale sign of a bunion. The area may also be red, swollen, or tender to the touch.

An enlargement or bump can also be caused by other problems such as gout or arthritis, so it’s important that you turn to a qualified podiatrist here in Hollywood, FL, that can perform the proper imaging tests to be able to discern a bunion from other foot problems. Once we determine that you have a bunion, we can get to work creating a treatment plan that can manage your symptoms.

How do I treat a bunion? 

When a bunion is still very minor, the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms while also slowing the development of this progressive foot deformity. Some easy ways to manage your bunion are:

• Icing the bunion to reduce pain and swelling
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication to ease more moderate forms of pain and swelling
• Stretching and massaging the feet every day
• Wearing supportive shoes that fit properly and don’t put added pressure on the bunion
• Considering custom shoe inserts
• Soaking feet in a warm, soothing bath(Epsom salts can also ease painful bunions)
• Wearing a bunion splint to take pressure off the deformed joint
• Wearing the appropriate shoes based on your activity
  
  

Is surgery necessary? 

In most cases, bunion surgery is not necessary for our patients. However, there are instances in which a bunionectomy may be worth discussing with our Hollywood, FL, podiatrists. Bunion surgery may be beneficial if:

• Your bunion is extremely large and painful
• Your bunion pain keeps you from everyday activities
• You have had to alter your activities and routine to accommodate your bunion
• You have trouble wearing any shoes without experiencing pain
• The bunion isn’t responding to nonsurgical treatment options
• Your bunion pain and swelling are severe
  
  

Don’t let bunions affect your day-to-day life. Our Hollywood, FL, podiatrists, Dr. Greenberg and Dr. Perez, at Hollywood Podiatry Associates can help you get your bunion pain under control. Call us today at (954) 923-1800 to schedule an evaluation.