Have you ever thought of wearing new open shoes during the sandal season and doubted yourself? The reason is bunions are an eyesore, and sandals don’t camouflage that. Bunions affect one out of every three Americans. A significant number of individuals fear seeking treatment alluding to the pain of surgery techniques. John Jurcisin, DPM, ABPS, FACFAS, a certified podiatrist, understands the options for treating bunions in New York. He advises the earlier you seek treatment for primary stage bunions, the better your foot, and overall health.
What Are Bunions?
Bunions are bone protrusions that occur on the big toe because of structural problems in the feet. The medical term is hallux valgus. Hallux valgus occurs as the big toe inclines towards the second toe pushing out the former. Bunions initially develop as red swollen bumps but escalate the angle and cause severe pain.
Bunion Management Tips
- Use feet baths
Hygienic foot baths relieve the pain and pressure on bunions. You can visit a foot center or a massage parlor for a standard footbath. However, this simple task is best done at home, where you can alter the concentrations of your favorite salts and essential oils. Epsom salt, lavender oil, and vinegar are still the indefectible foot baths you can employ. If you have underlying conditions such as asthma, it is best to seek John Jurcisin’s recommendation for a suitable foot bath for you.
- Massage your feet
Dedicating half an hour to massage and exercise does wonders in your joints. Massage relieves tension in the MTP joint to ease the pain. Simple foot massages and curling your toes for up to ten seconds are ideal ways to manage pain without surgery. However, you should be careful not to overstretch the adjacent toes.
- Wear well-fitting footwear
A common cause for bunions is Ill-fitting footwear that cramps up your toe space and doesn’t absorb impact. Bunion-friendly shoes have arch support for the feet and have a toe box design. The toe box design allows you to flex your joints in a sort of self-massage for easing bunion pain.
- Medication
Over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen and paracetamol relieve pain but do not treat bunions. Any other relevant anti-inflammatory drugs also minimize the pain.
- Ice your feet
Ice evokes a numbing effect to your bunion, preventing transmission of pain. Icing also reduces swelling, allowing you to wear your favorite shoes with ease. Put an ice pack over your affected feet for up to 20 minutes in the evening for better outcomes.
- Use bunion pads
Bunion pads cushion against the additional impact that aggravates bunions. You can put these gel-filled pads in your shoes to prevent contact between the bunion and shoe fabric. You need to replace the pads to avoid foot infections constantly.
All the above methods manage pain and are self-management options; however, if pain persists, then it may be time for surgery.
- Surgery
Bunions cause additional foot problems such as hammertoes and bursitis. A surgical correction is imperative to align the big toe. The techniques used for bunion removal include joint replacement surgery, soft tissue removal, and bunionectomy.
Outlook
Bunions cause immense pain and adversely affect mobility. Bunions should no longer be an eyesore. Visit a bunion specialist at Precision Footcare center for effective bunion treatment.