4 Ways to Treat Painful Bunions
A bunion toe deformity is one of the most common problems treated by podiatrists. Although hereditary influence plays a major role in bunion development, shoes are often to blame. Wearing tight-fitting shoes like high heels or pointy boots will push the toes together and increase the development of bunions, hammertoes, and other toe and foot problems.
4 excellent methods for treating painful bunions include the following:
- Custom shoes with orthotics. Wearing specially made shoes with a wide toe box and deep heel cup will keep the bunion from rubbing and causing painful blisters. Orthotic inserts shift weight and pressure away from painful toes.
- Night brace. A specially formed bunion brace is used to pull the big toe back into alignment while sleeping and over time the toe will adopt the new position.
- Physical therapy exercises. Towel scrunches and picking up marbles with your toes are great exercises for improving flexibility and strength.
- Pain medication. OTC medications, including ibuprofen and Tylenol, can help reduce pain and swelling.
For bunion pain and swelling that doesn’t respond to these methods, surgery may be necessary. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors, including Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, dedicate themselves by serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
