A bunion deformity is one of the most common toe problems treated by foot doctors. More than half of people over the age of sixty-five are dealing with one or more bunions or bunionettes (a bunion affects the big toe and a bunionette causes a similar problem with the pinky toe.)

A bunion is characterized by a large bony bump that develops on the big toe causing it to push laterally into the other toes. Since bunions tend to develop slowly, many people ignore the problem until it worsens and is harder to treat. When discovered and treated early on, bunion pain and discomfort can often be alleviated without surgery.

3 treatments for bunions that can prevent the need for future surgery include:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes with orthotic inserts — Be sure to get your feet properly measured and your shoes properly fitted with the correct arch supports and other orthotic inserts. Wear shoes with a wider toe box to allow room for the bunion and to prevent rubbing that can cause blisters, corns, and calluses.
• Wearing a bunion brace while sleeping — A specially designed bunion brace is worn while resting to pull the big toe back into alignment.
• Performing toe and foot physical therapy exercises — Toe exercises like towel scrunches and marble pick up exercises will help tone and strengthen the tendons and muscles that affect the toe bending.

 

If you are experiencing bunion pain and discomfort, see your foot doctor for an expert evaluation and the proper treatment. You can count on the foot doctors at Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC to provide fast relief for your aching feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics. For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe (734-241-0200) and Lambertville (734-856-8900) (Bedford and Monroe counties). We also offer convenient house calls Monday through Thursday, so give us a call!