Are you tired of living with bunion pain? Dr. Timothy Bush, your Nashville, TN podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nashville, share some information about bunions and explain what you can do to relieve your pain.
What are bunions?
A bunion forms when the bones at the base of your foot move out of alignment, causing your big toe to lean toward your other toes. When this happens, you'll notice a bony bump at the bottom of your big toe.
Who gets bunions?
You may be more likely to develop a bunion if:
- You are female and wear high heels or tight shoes.
- You have arthritis or a foot deformity.
- One of your legs is longer than the other.
- You have a family history of bunions.
What are the signs and symptoms of bunions?
If you have bunions, you will probably experience several of these symptoms, such as:
- Pain at the base of the big toe
- Redness and burning over the bunion
- Corns due to overlapping toes
- Thickened skin over your bunion
- Numbness
- Trouble moving your toe
How can I treat bunion pain at home?
Easing the pressure on your bunion is the simplest way to reduce pain. Buy shoes that are big enough to accommodate your bunion without pressing on it and apply bunion pads to cushion and protect your bunions. Soft gel toe separators prevent your toes from overlapping, reducing corns. Pain can often be relieved with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers.
How can my Nashville podiatrist help?
If bunion pain begins to interfere with your life, your podiatrist can offer treatment options that can make you more comfortable. Your foot doctor may recommend a night splint that helps align the foot or orthotics, custom-made shoe inserts that relieve pressure and pain. In severe cases, surgery to remove swollen tissue and realign your bones may be the best option.
Would you like to learn more about the options for treating your bunion pain? Call Dr. Bush, your Nashville, TN podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nashville, at (615) 662-6676 to schedule an appointment. Relieve your bunion pain with a visit to your foot doctor!
