Dealing with bunion pain? We want to help you find the most effective pain relief methods.

No matter what shoes you wear your bunion always seems to let you know that it’s around, jutting out from your big toe and causing pain and swelling. A bunion, also known as a hallux valgus, is a common deformity that shifts the joint at the base of the big toe out of place. From the office of our Wesley Chapel, FL, podiatrists Drs. George and Kathy Tjamaloukas, here are some of the best ways to manage your bunion symptoms.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Some people may have bunions but not even know it. If this condition isn’t causing you problems then there really isn’t much you will need to do apart from wearing properly fitted shoes; however, if you are regularly experiencing pain and swelling around the affected toe joint these simple approaches may provide you with the relief you are looking for,

• Protect the bunion and prevent calluses from forming by placing a non-medicated moleskin or gel pad over the bunion (these can be found at your local drugstore)
• Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help alleviate more intense pain and swelling (only a temporary solution)
• Massaging the bunion daily and stretching your feet throughout the day can stave off stiffness and pain. You may also choose to turn to a professional massage therapist to treat sore, achy feet caused by bunions.

If these simple measures aren’t providing you with relief then it’s time to talk with our Wesley Chapel, FL, foot doctors about other options such as custom orthotics (special shoe inserts that can provide your feet with additional support and cushioning) and night splints (which can temporarily realign the affected toe joint to take pressure off the area and reduce stiffness).

Furthermore, our podiatrists can also provide you with recommendations for which kinds of shoes to wear to prevent the deformity from getting worse. It’s important to avoid shoes that have heels over 2 inches tall, as well as shoes with pointed toes and any footwear that puts pressure on the bunion. Make sure that you are properly measured for any and all shoes you purchase (and toss out those old shoes, too!).

Surgery to Treat Bunions

The good news is that most people can manage their bunion symptoms through nonsurgical treatment options alone. In fact, surgery should be the last resort when it comes to treating a bunion. While this is the only way to actually repair the misaligned joint surgery usually is not considered unless,

• You have exhausted all other treatment options and you haven’t experienced relief from your symptoms
• Your pain is severe and affecting your day-to-day life
• Your pain has been persistent

If your bunion is causing you problems then turn to the podiatrists at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center in Land O' Lakes, FL, for care. Call us today at (813) 909-0865.