Got bunions? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Catherine Zeta-Jones, JLo, and Amy Adams are just a few celebrities that have been sighted with the problem. It’s not really a surprise, though since women are more prone to having foot issues then men are. It’s most likely due to the types of shoes that women wear, often sacrificing comfort for fashion.

What are bunions?

While it can begin with genetics, shoes that force the toes into a specific shape can aggravate this common problem of the big toe joint (and sometimes the pinky toe). Additionally, foot injuries, birth deformities, ill-fitting and unsupportive shoes, as well as changes in gait due to arthritis can cause bunions or make them worse.

When there is uneven pressure applied to the big toe joint, it can become misaligned and/or a bony growth can begin to stick out to try to support this pressure. For some, this deformity can be painless, but for others, it can be painful – in addition to being unsightly. If it is left untreated, complications can arise including bursitis, hammertoe, or metatarsalgia.

How do you treat bunions?

If you have pain and swelling, it’s important to get treatment sooner than later. Our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz, can properly diagnose the issue and determine the cause of your bunions. Then, he can prescribe the proper treatment that may include one or more of the following:

• Physical therapy/exercises to strengthen the muscles around the toe to keep the joint in place.
• Over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, and/or gels to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
• Bunion pads may be helpful to reduce friction and rubbing in shoes.
• Custom orthotics may be required to give you the proper support in your feet and reduce irritation to the bunions.
• In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct joint issues or remove some of the bony protrusions.

For bunion treatment, contact us at Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices so that we can help you find pain relief from bunions.