Painful bunions make it difficult to do the things you enjoy, but bunion pain doesn't have to change your life. Nancy A. Jagodzinski, 
D.P.M., your Naperville podiatrist, shares some information about this common foot condition and explains how your foot doctor can help you get on your feet again.
What are bunions?
A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of your big toe. It occurs when your big toe leans toward your other toes. When this happens, your bones move out of alignment, resulting in the bump you see.
What are common bunion symptoms?
If you have a bunion, you may notice:
- Burning, inflammation and redness at the site of the bunion
- Pain at the bottom of your big toe
- Numbness in your toe
- Thicker skin at the base of your toe
- Difficulty moving your toe
- Corns at the site where your toes overlap
What causes bunions?
Wearing high heels or tight shoes are risk factors for developing bunions. If bunions run in your family, you may develop one even if you make good footwear choices.
Is there anything I can do to treat bunions at home?
If you currently wear tight shoes or high heels, put those shoes in your closet and buy a few pairs that offer plenty of room in the toe box. Changing the type of shoes you wear is a good way to decrease pain and pressure on your foot. If you do experience these problems despite changing shoes, apply a pad over the bunion before you put on your shoes. Ice and over-the-counter pain medications can be very helpful in reducing pain. If possible, avoid activities that require you to spend hours on your feet.
How do foot doctors treat bunions?
If home measures don't reduce your bunion pain, your Naperville podiatrist can provide you with orthotics, special shoe inserts that are custom made to reduce the pressure on your foot. Surgery may be recommended if your bunion pain interferes with your life. During surgery, your podiatrist removes the bump and swollen tissue and moves your bones into the proper alignment.
If you're tired of living with bunion pain, call Nancy A. Jagodzinski, D.P.M., your Naperville podiatrist at (630) 778-7670 and schedule an appointment today. Don't let bunion pain take over your life!
