Bunions

Bunions: Dealing With These Bony Bumps

There is so much pressure on our feet to support our entire body. As such, our feet are prone to many conditions. Some - like bunions - are very common. Bunions are bony bumps that typically occur on the big toe, although sometimes the other toes may be affected as well. It's important to treat bunions promptly, as they can cause pain and gait issues. Charlotte podiatrist Dr. Kristine M. Strauss can diagnose and treat bunions before they cause mobility issues.

Causes of Bunions

Bunions can be caused by the following:

• Wearing tight shoes
• Excessive stress on the feet
• Arthritis or other medical condition
• Improper alignment
• Heredity/genes

Symptoms

Think you might have a bunion? Symptoms include the following:

• Bulge or bump at the base of the big toe
• Soreness or redness
• Inflammation
• Pain
• Corns or calluses on the foot
• Thickening skin around the big toe
• Inability to move the big toe

Bunion Treatment

Most bunions can be treated at home. Wearing more comfortable shoes can help relieve pain. If necessary, try custom orthotics. Bunion pads and booties can be worn on the affected foot to bring about relief. Cold compresses can help with inflammation, as can anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. There are also bunion shavers you can buy to reduce the appearance of larger bunions. Only in severe cases is surgery required.

Make Walking More Comfortable

Bunions can be painful and annoying. To treat them and get tips on preventing future occurrences, give Charlotte podiatrist Dr. Kristine M. Strauss a call at (704) 504-4000.

www.charlottefoot.com