A bunion is a foot deformity that causes the big toe to stick out and the other toes to point inwards. This can often cause pain and make shoes challenging to wear. Some people with bunions also experience pain and swelling, making walking difficult. These problems can be made worse by arthritis and tophi, where uric acid crystals form a lump under the skin. Bunions are not usually severe or painful if they do not cause problems with wearing shoes, but you may require surgery to correct severe cases. If you have bunions, you should consider visiting a podiatrist with experience in treating bunions in Bakersfield. Here are some standard treatment options you can take advantage of.
Padding
Padding is usually the first line of defense against bunions. It helps reduce pain and discomfort when walking or standing for prolonged periods. You can get pads with a cut-out in the middle to relieve pressure on the bunion. Additionally, you can purchase gel pads that fit your shoes and help with shock absorption in problem areas. These can be very helpful and should be worn as often as possible to ease the pain.
Wider Shoes
If your shoes fit snugly and make your bunions worse, the obvious solution is to buy wider shoes. However, not all bunion sufferers can fit into all types of shoes. Wider-fitting women’s shoes are available in a variety of styles. It would be best if you looked for space-age materials that do not impact the shape of your feet. It is also important to remember that bunion pain often increases with the weather, especially during the summer months. It would help to find comfortable shoes, even when your feet are at their most significant, and have good ventilation for hot days.
Medication
This usually only works as a long-term solution for those with mild bunion pain. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and swelling, which reduces the pressure on your foot and takes some of the pain away. However, it is essential to realize that these medications do not fix any underlying issues. They mask the problem.
Orthotic Devices
Orthotic devices can help reduce pain from bunions by taking pressure off the affected area. Your podiatrist will fit you for a custom orthotic device that fits into your shoes and takes the pressure off of the bunion. These devices should be worn as often as possible, even when you are not wearing shoes or boots, because they can help correct alignment problems.
Activity Modification
In some cases, your podiatrist may suggest limiting the activity that causes you to experience pain. This might mean taking up a different sport or only doing activities while wearing supportive shoes and comfortable insoles. Your doctor might recommend keeping weight off of your feet at other times by avoiding high heels and standing for long periods.
In summary, bunions are often challenging to treat because they are partially caused by arthritis or gout. However, many different treatment options can help ease the pain until you can visit a podiatrist in Bakersfield for surgical treatment. If your bunion is causing too much pain for you to enjoy summer activities fully, don’t hesitate to contact a podiatrist in Bakersfield to get effective treatment.
