Getting Help With My Foot

Bunions can be caused by various factors, from your genetics to the shoes that you wear. If you have a painful bump at the point where your big toe meets your foot, you have a bunion. Fortunately, bunions can be treated quite easily. Here are four things you should do if you're suffering from bunions:

1. Try a different type of shoe.

Wearing the wrong sort of shoe can put unwanted pressure on your big toe, making a bunion likely to form. Relieving this pressure can allow your foot to naturally return to its original position, eliminating bunions. Visit a podiatrist to have your foot professionally measured. Your doctor can help you find your true shoe size, which should be more comfortable and healthy for your feet.

2. Use home remedies to manage pain.

Bunions can be painful, especially in more advanced cases. You can manage your bunions using the same techniques you'd use to manage other sports injuries. Apply ice to the afflicted area of your foot to reduce swelling and provide pain relief. Elevating your foot can also help as can taking over the counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen.

3. See your podiatrist.

A podiatrist specializes in the treatment of foot ailments, and they can help diagnose and cure your bunions. As a first line of treatment, they may tape or splint your big toe to control its movement. This can ease your bunion symptoms. In some cases, splinting alone is enough to correct the problem.

4. Have a bunion correction treatment.

If you've tried home remedies and your bunions have not responded, you may need to have your bunion surgically removed. While surgery can sound like a frightening option, rest assured that bunion surgery is a minor procedure. In many cases, your doctor will be able to remove your bunion using only local anesthetic, so you won't have to be put to sleep for the bunion treatment.

The healing period after your bunion surgery is crucial for maintaining good results, so make sure to follow all your doctor's orders. According to Healthline, you should expect to wear a cast for a couple of weeks following your surgery. After your cast is removed, you'll need to use crutches and avoid placing too much pressure on your feet. After your doctor has cleared you, you'll be able to exercise and do all the activities you used to do prior to your surgery.