Treatment Options For Bunions

A painful, sore, red bump on at the base of your big toe--it's most likely a bunion, a common deformity of the foot. Your Nampa, Meridian and Boise, ID, podiatrists at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates see plenty of these annoying and sometimes debilitating foot problems. They offer treatment options that make sense for you, your lifestyle and yes, your unique feet. What can your foot doctor do for you?

Why people get bunions

Most commonly, you'll develop a bony prominence at the metatarsophalangeal joint because:

• You are a middle-aged female (men and children get them less often)
• You wear shoes that are too tight, have high heels or a narrow toe box
• You are overweight
• Your family members also have bunions
• You overpronate your feet
• Flat arches have plagued you for years.
• You walk and stand on your feet a lot throughout the day

Besides the obvious disfigurement, bunions make the big toe turn in toward the second toe and sometimes, the second toe toward the third and so on. Hammertoes also develop as can thick corns and calluses.

What you can do about bunions

Padding and moleskin relieve the friction between the shoe and toe joint. Stretching exercises help alleviate arthritis associated with the joint. Unfortunately, though, most home remedies do not help more extensive bunions. That's where your podiatrist in Nampa, Meridian and Boise comes in.

They will perform a complete foot exam, including X-rays. The doctor may recommend at-home treatments as needed, but also may prescribe:

• A change in footwear (the American Podiatric Association says low-heeled shoes with a wide toe box are best)
• Shoe inserts, or custom-made orthotics to cushion the foot and to correct problems with gait
• Splints worn at night
• Bunionectomy

Bunionectomy is a specialized surgery which should be performed by a board-certified foot surgeon such as those at Idaho Foot. The procedure often involves reshaping the metatarsalphalangeal joint and re-aligning the connective tissue in the toe. More extensive treatments include fusing or pinning the toe joint or even inserting an implant.

Do you have a bunion?

Find out for sure, and get some relief for your discomfort. Contact Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates for an appointment with one of our caring doctors. In Boise, call (208) 327-0627. In Nampa, phone (208) 463-1660, and in Meredian, call (208) 888-9876.