If you’ve dealt with bunions, you know that they’re usually painless, but can be irritating to deal with. If you’ve just recently been diagnosed with bunions, it might feel overwhelming to figure out where to start with information and how to relieve some of the pain or irritation you might experience. Dr. Timothy Gardner in Knoxville, TN, can answer some frequently asked questions about bunions so that you can understand what they are and how you can live without pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunions
Q. What are bunions?
A. Bunions are a bone deformity that shows up as a large bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. This usually occurs because of improper arch structure. This could be overpronounced arches or flat feet. The structure of your foot shifts with these issues and creates a protuberance at the side of the foot.
Q. What issues can bunions cause?
A. While bunions are often painless, there are issues that could be caused by friction. When the bunions rub against the sides of your shoe, you could develop blisters and calluses that continue to get worse when you walk around. Your bunion can also make the skin red and tender because of the way that the joint flexes with each step.
Q. How are bunions treated?
A. There isn’t a treatment that can fully cure a bunion, but you can help ease pain with the help of your podiatrist in Knoxville, TN. You may need to wear protective padding to help stop rubbing on the sides of the shoes and wear orthotic devices to help support your feet. You may also want to perform stretching exercises to help with joint mobility. In severe cases, you may need surgery in order to correct the foot position and shave off the bunion.
Contact Your Podiatrist Today
Don’t hesitate to learn more about bunions. Contact Dr. Timothy Gardner in Knoxville, TN, to ask further questions you may have about bunions. Call for more information today at (865) 218-7474.