A new year, a new foot. We’re talking about bunion treatment! Take a step in the right direction this year and invest in some treatment for, and prevention of, that lump on the side of your inner foot. Turns out, it’s as easy as a roomy pair of shoes, some orthotics, and maybe a surgical consultation with Kevin J. Powers, DPM.
First, avoid tight-fitting shoes and start wearing a roomier pair of shoes with low or flat heels, a wide toe box, and support for your arch. Bunion pads and a pair of custom orthotics will also take away some of your pain. However, they won’t cure a bunion. Stretching, physical therapy, and toe straightening splints may relieve pain, but are also not successful in making the problem go away. If you already have this extra bony growth on the side of your big toe joint, it may be best to discuss surgical options with Dr. Kevin Powers.
The good news is that Dr. Kevin Powers has performed hundreds of bunionectomies during his 25 years of practice as podiatrist. You can trust that a recommendation for surgery comes from expert experience and genuine concern for your foot health and quality of life. In fact, the smaller your bunion, the easier it is to correct your problem with a less-complicated surgery.
Put one foot in front of the other—get bunion treatment from Kevin J. Powers, DPM, in Bloomington, IN. If you feel like you might be a good candidate for surgery or want to try custom orthotics, call our office at (812) 333-4422. We’ve also made it easier to get help with Dr. Powers’ new permanent office hours at Daviess Community Hospital in Washington, IN, on Fridays from 8 AM to 3 PM.
Sometimes you have to be creative in fixing things to make them last. An old treasured antique may not look as good as new, but you can add polish and tweak parts here and there so it works. You can find such fixed-up items at the local B-Town, Jolly Roger, or other flea markets all the time. When things go wrong in your home and you can’t afford an expensive technician, sometimes you have to get creative and fix what’s wrong on your own. While bunions can ultimately be corrected with surgery if that is the route you choose, there are ways to take care of your bunions at home to prevent them from getting to that stage.
A bunion problem often develops because of inherited foot structure prone to this type of deformity. A foot injury, certain type of arthritis, and certain footwear can each be contributing factors as well. When the structures within your foot cannot bear or distribute weight properly, the big toe joint can become unstable and the big toe shifts over. It is when this happens that the characteristic bony bump protrudes on the side of the foot.
If you already have bunions, whether severe or just starting, start out by wearing the right kind of shoes. Steer clear of styles with tight, pointed toe boxes that would only encourage the toe to push over farther, and avoid high heels that put all of your body weight onto the ball of the foot. A weakened structure doesn’t need any unnecessary extra pressure. If your bunions are painful, avoid activities that aggravate the toe joint and apply an ice pack several times a day to reduce pain and swelling. Talk to your doctor to see if there is a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication that is appropriate for you to take. You can also try bunion pads or moleskin on pressure areas to protect the bunion from rubbing in your shoes. Last, it may be very helpful to wear a pair of orthotic inserts in your shoes to keep your foot stable and cushioned.
We don’t want you living life with pain and we know how painful bunions can get if they aren’t treated properly. Contact Dr. Kevin Powers if you have concerns about your bunions or would like further information. Call our office in Bloomington, IN at (812) 333-4422 for an appointment today.
Photo Credit: Marin via FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The fall season is a time when the fashion scene comes alive. The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week takes place in several different countries throughout the fall and showcases the latest from the time-honored and up-and-coming designers. Shoes are always a hot topic, but there often is no thought given to comfort—only what will grab attention on the runway. If you have bunions, sacrificing comfort for fashion may have you hobbling in pain at the end of the day. The right kind of shoes for bunions will not only keep your feet happy during the day, but also help prevent the problem from getting worse.
Whether your bunion problem is at the beginning stages, or you have a nasty, painful bump protruding out of the side of your foot, what you wear on your feet is crucial. Bunions typically develop due to a faulty foot structure, and you may not be able to prevent them from eventually making their presence known. You can, however, delay their progression, and a big factor is the footwear you choose. Ladies, unfortunately those tight, pointy high heels are simply not going to be friendly to your bunion-prone feet. This type of shoe only forces your toes into an unnatural, awkward position, which will encourage the big toe to lean inward even further and make the bump even bigger.
Purchase shoes for the larger foot if your feet are different sizes, and go shopping later in the day when your feet are biggest. Whether you need a narrow shoe or a wider style, don’t settle until you find one that really fits your feet well. Look for a pair with a wide, deep toe box and made of a stretchable material. Custom orthotics and bunion pads can also offer cushioning and support, so you’ll need to find shoes with room to accommodate these if you are going to wear them.
Comfort and support is important in shoes for bunions. If you are struggling with pain or can’t find the right pair of shoes, contact Kevin J. Powers, DPM for help. You can reach our office in Bloomington, IN by calling (812) 333-4422.
Photo Credit: Marin via FreeDigitalPhotos.net
