Treatment Options For Bunions

A bunion is basically a painful condition that impacts the joint located at the big toe’s base. Bunions typically develop over time in most adults, but they could likewise develop in children between 10 and 15 years old. In other cases, bunions can develop in the small toe. These are called tailor’s bunions or bunionettes, and they could be extremely painful.

If not treated properly, bunions could make walking very painful, and wearing closed footwear almost impossible. Likewise, an untreated bunion might also result in the bog toe losing mobility, bursitis, and arthritis. Thankfully, bunions typically respond well to prompt, conservative therapies.

This means that you should visit your podiatrist in Washington, DC, Dr. James Mintzer of Providence Foot Health Center once you experience bunion symptoms. Your podiatrist can suggest the most suitable treatment options according to the extent of the bunion and your related symptoms.

Conservative Treatment Options for Bunions

The primary goal of bunion treatment is to alleviate your symptoms and slow down the bunion’s progression. Podiatrists will exhaust every conservative therapy first before recommending more invasive bunion treatments, including surgery.

Bunions, while not life-threatening, must be evaluated promptly since they could negatively affect your mobility. Over time, they could likewise cause complications such as arthritis. Fortunately, most bunions can be managed with early and conservative therapies, including the following:

• Ice or cold packs applied to aching bunions
• Bunion pads developed for cushioning the bunion
• Splints for realigning the joint with gentle pressure
• Medicines for easing joint inflammation and pain
• Shoes that don’t squeeze your toes or place undue pressure on them
• Custom shoe inserts, also called orthotics, for correcting irregular foot mechanics

Surgical Intervention for Bunions

In case your bunion persists after trying conservative therapies, or if it’s so severe that your big toe is already crossing over the adjacent toe, your podiatrist in Washington, DC, might recommend bunion surgery. While surgery isn’t an actual cure for bunions, they’re capable of getting rid of pain and correcting the deformity. These surgical therapies include a bunionectomy, realigning the metatarsal and phalanx bones, as well as fusing the metatarsal and phalanx bones.

It’s vital to point out that recovering from surgery will take a long time. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment will help you avoid the more difficult aspects of recovery.

Talk to Us For Help Treating Your Bunion

Schedule an assessment here at Providence Foot Health Center in Washington, DC, with Dr. James Mintzer by dialing 202-269-4062.