Find out how to manage your bunion symptoms and when to know whether surgery is necessary.
Many people have bunions, but catching it early is key to preventing the issue from getting worse. Of course, symptoms can still arise with a bunion. If pain or other problems are making it difficult to just go about your daily tasks, our Houston, TX, podiatrists have the answers for how to ease bunion issues and keep your feet feeling their best.
Examine Your Shoes
One reason you could be dealing with a bunion in the first place is because you have poorly fitted shoes that don’t give your toes room to wiggle and move. If your feet feel bunched up whenever you put on your shoes, this could certainly make your condition worse. Always make sure you are wearing the right size. If you aren’t sure what size shoes you should wear, it’s a good time to see someone for a proper fitting.
While our Houston foot doctors may recommend avoiding heels whenever possible, if you love your heels and hate to part with them, then it is strongly encouraged that you give your feet frequent breaks from wearing heels. For example, wear sneakers when traveling to and from the office.
Ice Your Foot
If you are dealing with pain and swelling around the bunion, these symptoms can be absolutely miserable. Fortunately, icing the joint can help to ease both of these problems. Always wrap an ice pack in a towel before placing over exposed skin. Apply the ice for up to 15 minutes before removing. You can do this a couple times a day to provide relief.
Medications
OK, so taking medications for your bunion symptoms can be a bit trickier. If you are only experiencing minor discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers should provide the relief you need. Of course, if you are experiencing more serious or persistent pain, it might be time to talk to our foot specialists in Houston about prescription pain relievers. In patients with severe pain, steroid injections can sometimes be the best way to alleviate swelling and discomfort caused by bunions.
Wear a Bunion Pad
If you find that your bunion rubs against your shoes and causes irritation, then it’s time to purchase a bunion pad. These can easily be found at your local drugstore and can be applied over the bunion to protect it from further discomfort, particularly when wearing shoes.
While these measures can certainly go a long way to managing your bunion symptoms it will not actually remove or eliminate the bunion. The only way to truly get rid of a bunion is through surgery, which isn’t often recommended unless the problem is severe enough or if other treatment options haven’t worked.
If you are dealing with severe bunion pain that is affecting your daily life, then it’s time you turned to Podiatry Associates of Houston right away for the treatment you deserve to get back on your feet again.