What Issues Can Orthotics Address?
Feet are vital to so many of our basic functions, and yet we don’t really focus on them unless something goes wrong. When you start having foot problems, read on to find out how orthotics can help.
What Can I Do to Prevent My Bunions From Getting Worse?
Also known as hallux valgus, bunions are bony bumps that form on the inside edge of your metatarsophalangeal joint where your big toe meets your foot, though they can develop on your other toes too. Bunions make wearing shoes difficult and affect walking, hiking, running, and standing.
If you live in the Tarzana or Inglewood, California, area and you’re struggling with foot pain due to bunions, Drs. Ashkan Soleymani, Michael Salih, Arash Jalil, Saman Tabari, and their dedicated medical staff at Cedars Foot & Ankle Center can help you get on your feet.
To manage the problems associated with this painful problem and keep them from getting worse, let’s examine the symptoms and causes of bunions.
Causes and symptoms
A signature sign of a bunion is pain that strikes when you put on shoes or that increases as you’re wearing shoes. Other tell-tale symptoms of bunions include these concerns that impact your big toe joint:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Redness
- Burning sensation
- Numbness
The main factors that lead to bunions are:
Foot stress and injuries
Ill-fitting shoes force your toes into awkward, unnatural positions that can trigger the problem. In addition, foot injuries can lead to bunion formation.
Inherited genes
The genes for this condition can be passed down from your parents, leading to a foot shape and structure likely to lead to bunions.
Foot mechanics
How you walk, known as your gait, can lead to the formation of bunions.
Bunion management
Here’s what you can do to reduce problems with bunions:
Wear shoes that fit well
Focus on shoes that have a wider area for your toes, a full arch, and ankle support. Talk to your provider about a specific shoe you have in mind or ask for recommendations.
Water therapy
Soaking in warm water helps relieve pain and inflammation. Applying ice packs for about 15 minutes off and on throughout the day is also a great way to alleviate pressure and swelling.
Bunion pads
Pick up some bunion cushions or pads at your local grocery or drug store. They help cushion the affected foot, and relieve painful pressure when you’re wearing shoes.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can ease pain and swelling. Pain relievers also help when the bunions are caused by arthritis.
Our expert team of foot specialists provides a range of treatment options to help you with your bunions. To get some much-needed relief, make an appointment with our compassionate team at Cedars Foot & Ankle Center today.
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