Bunions Got You Down? Here’s How a Podiatrist Can Help!
Bunion pain can limit mobility and harm your quality of life via constant aches. After all, that bony bump at the base of your big toe is more than just unsightly; it can cause discomfort, inflict inflammation, and limit your ability to wear certain shoes.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage and even reduce bunions, and at My Chicago Foot Expert, we’ve successfully managed and treated quite a few cases. That’s why we’ve put together a brief primer on treating bunions with both conservative and more advanced interventions, courtesy of Dr. Stavros Alexopoulos. Read on to learn how you can sidestep symptoms and become pain free!
Conservative Care for Comfort
A DPM will typically start with non-surgical approaches to ease your bunion blues.
- Padding can be used to create a barrier between your bunion and your shoe, easing friction.
- Podiatrists might also employ medical taping techniques to gently realign your big toe and reduce pressure on its joint.
Custom Orthotics and Physical Therapy
Custom orthotics, shoe inserts designed for your specific foot anatomy, can play a significant role in managing bunions, especially when combined with physical therapy.
- Orthotics offer arch support and help control excessive inward rolling of your foot, both of which contribute to bunion formation.
- Physical therapy exercises strengthen the muscles in your foot and ankle, promoting better alignment and potentially slowing the progression of the deformity.
Advanced Techniques for Persistent Pain
If conservative measures don’t provide relief, your podiatrist might explore other options, such as:
- Ultrasound therapy, which uses sound waves to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the bunion joint.
- Cortisone injections, which can also be effective in providing temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation.
Bunionectomy: A Surgical Solution
In severe cases featuring significant pain and limited mobility, bunionectomy surgery might be recommended.
- This procedure involves realigning the bones and soft tissues in your foot to correct the bunion deformity.
- Minimally invasive techniques are often used to allow for faster recovery times.
Want to learn more? Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100, or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today!
