Treatment Options For Bunions

Spending lots of time on your feet makes you susceptible to bunions which can be very uncomfortable. Your podiatrist, Dr. Timothy Gardner provides treatment options for bunions in Knoxville, TN.

What Are Bunions?

A bunion is a deformity at the base of your big toe that causes the joint to protrude at the side. Finding shoes that can contain the resulting protrusion can be a challenge and tight shoes put pressure on your damaged joint causing pain. Several factors contribute to bunion development. Spending long hours on your feet is a major factor so, this deformity isn't uncommon among professionals such as teachers, nurses, or hairstylists. Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes with narrow toe boxes also contribute to bunion development. Bunions can be genetic for some people.

Bunions Treatment

  • Pain Killers Bunions can be pretty uncomfortable. Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen can help with inflammation and pain. However, it's not a cure and the underlying cause remains
  • Change Your Footwear Changing your shoes to more comfortable ones with wide-toe boxes that can accommodate your bunion could make a difference. You might want to limit your use of high-heeled shoes which can aggravate your bunions
  • Ice Pack or Warm Soak An ice pack or warm soaks can help relieve your pain and reduce inflammation in your big toe.
  • Protective Shoe Pads Shoe pads can help reduce the friction on your bunion. The felt material of the shoe pads helps reduce the irritation of your bunion and surrounding skin 
  • Splints Your podiatrist might recommend using splints to help restore your toe's alignment. This treatment is usually more effective for younger patients suffering from bunions in Knoxville, TN, because their bones are still developing and can adapt to change.
  • Orthotics Prescription orthotic devices from your podiatrist can help ease the pain. They help position your feet properly for easy motion. You could also get over-the-counter orthotic devices.
  • Surgery When your painful bunions defy conservative therapies, you might be a good candidate for bunion surgery, known also as a bunionectomy. Bunion surgery might be recommended by your podiatrist if you're in pain, you have toe stiffness, your bunions have progressed to a deformity, or other therapies fail. During the surgery, your podiatrist will remove the bunion and realign your big toe.

Call (865) 218-7474 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gardner to discuss treating your bunions in Knoxville, TN.

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