What your podiatrist in Hamden wants you to know
Did you know that, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over half of the women in the United States have suffered a bunion at some point? It’s true, so chances are if you are a woman and wear tight, narrow shoes with high heels, you will suffer a bunion too. You may already have one!
Fortunately, there are effective methods for treating bunions. Dr. Lori Paragas at CT Family Foot Care and Surgery in Hamden, CT, wants you to know the facts about bunions and to treat them.
A bunion looks like a large, hard, bony bump next to your big toe. Bunions occur because of wearing tight footwear that crunches toes together. The area next to your big toe rubs against the side of your shoe as the big toe is squeezed next to other toes. The continual friction causes irritation and eventually, bone distortion.
If you get a bunion, the first thing to do is change to more supportive, wider footwear with plenty of room for your toes. You can also try some simple tips to relieve your bunion pain, such as:
- Icing the bunion for 15 minutes several times during the day
- Wearing padding or inserts in your shoes
- Taping your foot to provide support for the bunion
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen
For large bunions that are causing moderate to severe pain, you should seek out help from Dr. Paragas. After a thorough examination and x-rays of your foot, she can determine the level of bone deformity involved and help you choose the best treatment for your bunion. Common recommendations include:
- Removing corns and calluses on your foot to reduce friction
- Physical therapy and exercises to increase mobility and flexibility
- Custom-fit orthotics, night splints and other devices to help with stability and alignment
- Surgical intervention to remove the bunion and straighten the toe
Bunion discomfort and pain can interfere with your life, but there is help for your pain. Your podiatrist can get you up and walking again, so just pick up your phone and call Dr. Paragas at CT Family Foot Care and Surgery in Hamden, CT. Call today!