Diagnosis and Treatment of Bunions
A person can usually tell they have a bunion by looking at their feet. There will usually be a bump on the side of the big toe. However, it is best to have x-rays taken to determine what has all changed in the structure of your foot. Bunions do not go away and usually get worse over time. After you see a podiatrist a treatment plan can be put in place that is best suited to your needs.
Sometimes it is best to just have your bunion evaluated periodically along with x-rays to find out if your deformity is worsening. It is best to have periodic evaluations so that no irreversible damage is caused to the joint. There are a few options to help ease the pain, even though they won’t reverse the bunion.
-Change up the shoes. Choose a shoe with a wide toe box and try to avoid anything with a pointed toe or high heels. These may aggravate the bunion.
-Bunion pads. They are placed over the bunion and sometimes help minimize the pain.
-Modify activities. Standing for a long period of time and other activities may irritate the bunion and cause pain. These types of activities should be avoided in uncomfortable shoes.
-Medications. Over the counter medication may help relieve the pain.
-Icing. Placing an ice pack on the bunion a few times a day may help reduce the inflammation and pain.
-Injection therapy. This is rarely used, but sometimes a corticosteroid injection may be used to treat an inflamed bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that is located in the toe joint.
-Orthotic devices. A custom orthotic may be provided by a podiatrist to treat the functional foot problems.
There are some cases of bunions that will need surgery. If the pain from a bunion is interfering with your daily activities this may be a case that needs surgery, but should be talked over with your podiatrist.
If you are having pain from a bunion it is best to make an appointment with Dr. Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS to see what treatment options are best for you. Call Our Bismarck Office today at 701-255-3338 or go online to request an appointment