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bunion, which causes the toe to point inward rather than forward, can be painful. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your feet or experiencing chronic pain due to this condition, a doctor may be able to help. Here’s what you should know about bunions and the options for pain relief. 

A Guide to Bunions

What are the symptoms? 

Besides the bony protrusion, other symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and redness. You may also have difficulty moving the affected toe. Since you may move differently to avoid bunion pain, you may eventually experience discomfort in other areas of the body, including the connected foot, knee, hip, or lower back, due to the excess pressure put on these areas. 

What causes them? 

High heels are often blamed for the condition because of the shoes’ narrow, tight fit and increased pressure on the toe area. However, while shoes can exacerbate the condition, they’re usually not the cause. More often, bunions result from inherited foot types, injuries, congenital deformities, pronation while walking, and stress injuries caused by standing for long periods over an extended time. 

How can I relieve bunion pain? 

The best way to alleviate pain is to avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes that add pressure to the affected joint. Open-toed and wide-fitting shoes tend to be best. Ice and rest can also reduce pain in the short term. 

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Your doctor may also recommend custom foam or gel pads or splints to relieve pressure on the joint and assuage discomfort. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections can reduce pain and swelling. 

How are bunions removed? 

If your bunions are severe, your doctor may recommend corrective surgery to realign the bones so that they don't stick out as much. During the surgery, the doctor will also remove a small amount of bone from the bunion and adjust the surrounding soft tissues. There are different surgical techniques, and the best for you will depend on the size of the bunion and whether there is arthritis in the joint, among other factors. 

The surgery will require at least two weeks of recovery time, during which you'll need to rest the foot. After that, it may take another two to six weeks before you can fully walk on it again, depending on the type of surgery you've had. After about two months, you should be able to wear a regular shoe on the affected foot.

 

If you’re looking for a foot doctor to provide bunion treatment, turn to Advanced Foot Care of Rochester. Dr. Joseph G. DePrima and his team have served patients in Monroe County, NY, for over 30 years. They'll examine your foot and determine the best solutions to relieve pain, whether it involves custom insoles or reconstructive surgery. Call (585) 249-0020 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services. 

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