Bunions cause pain with every step. Luckily, relief in Naperville, IL isn't far away.

Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley specializes in treatment and pain management. Bunions get progressively worse over time. Although surgery is required in severe cases, there are both in-patient and at-home treatment options to help alleviate some of the pain.

With this goal in mind, Dr. Nancy Jagodzinksi and her team discuss seven ways to relieve bunion symptoms.

What is a bunion?

The first step is diagnosis. Bunions are common, structural deformities that occur in the big toe and its joint. The first metatarsal, which is the foot bone that connects to the big toe, is forced inward toward the body. This pushes the bone outward, resulting in a bony protrusion at the base of the toe. These make walking and other daily activities difficult.

At-home remedies

When suffering from bunions in Naperville, IL, contact a podiatrist. If the symptoms aren't yet severe, a doctor may suggest one of the following alternatives first.

• Find better footwear. A primary cause of bunions is tight or restrictive shoes. These put added pressure on the bones in the foot. Select shoes that have a wide, comfortable toe area. For women, the condition may become worse when wearing high heels.
• Add inserts. Extra padding may also do the trick. Foam or gel inserts aid in realignment while increasing support. While a doctor may recommend a particular product, most drug stores offer a wide range of choices.
• Take medication. Some over-the-counter products may help. Try an anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen. In addition to reducing swelling and inflammation, it can also help with pain.
• Ice regularly. Rest and ice are most effective in limiting inflammation. Incorporate these as part of your daily routine.
• Alter activity. Another way to increase rest is to modify daily behaviors. Standing for long amounts of time is problematic. To make bunions more bearable, changes in lifestyle may be necessary.

Non-surgical options

Bunions in Naperville, IL may demand additional treatment. Your podiatrist may recommend trying these non-surgical alternatives.

• Take an injection. When over-the-counter options aren't strong enough, a doctor may administer a cortisone injection to reduce the pain.
• Use an orthotic device. Any inserts or padding will help. But only custom orthotics will redirect the bones to their proper location. Your doctor can find the right device for you.

Find a bunions specialist in Naperville, IL

If you are experiencing bunion pain, visit Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley. While surgery may be necessary, this is always the last resort. Dr. Jagodzinski will construct an individualized treatment plan to provide the relief you need from bunions. In Naperville, IL, call (630) 778-7670 to schedule an appointment today.