A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the first joint of the big toe. Although these deformities are often innocuous, you should seek 
treatment any pain interferes with your daily routine or physical activity. After your doctor evaluates your case, a treatment plan will be developed that is suited to your needs. Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland (which has offices in Kensington, Olney, Silver Spring, and Camp Springs/Clinton, MD) offers a full range of podiatric services. Here's how a podiatrist can help with bunions.
Medicine. Your podiatrist may recommend an OTC or prescription pain medicine to alleviate your pain. Although anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can often reduce swelling and pain, if the OTC medicines aren't working, your doctor may recommend a prescription medication.
Padding. You can get bunion pads from your doctor. Bunion pads are typically made of felt, mole, skin, or gel and are thin enough to fit comfortably into your shoes. Pads placed over the areas of the bunions will ease painful shoe pressure and friction and allow you to continue an active life. Padding also prevents bunions from getting worse. Bunion pads are reusable, letting you use them over and over again.
Orthotics. Custom-made orthotics can be a valuable treatment for bunions. Orthotic devices are shoe inserts or footbeds that are inserted into shoes to help relieve bunion-related pain. Research has shown that orthotic devices can ease bunion-related pain, improve joint function, and prevent the progression of bunions. Podiatrists can offer different custom-made orthotics to fit your needs.
Steroid Shots. If your bunion pain persists, your doctor may inject cortisone steroid into the tissue to relieve pain and inflammation. Although these steroid shots can alleviate painful symptoms, they sometimes have side effects, especially when used frequently and at high doses.
Surgery. Surgery is most often done on moderate and severe bunions. Generally, if your bunions aren't painful, you don't need surgery. If nonsurgical treatments do not alleviate your pain, however, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove your bunion. The procedure is called bunionectomy, and it is performed in a surgery center or hospital under general or local anesthesia.
Need bunion relief? Call one of our offices in Kensington, Olney, Silver Spring, and Camp Springs/Clinton, MD
For fast relief from bunion pain, call one of Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland's offices to make an appointment:
- Olney, MD—(301) 924-5044
- Camp Springs, MD—(301) 868-7670
- Silver Spring, MD—(301)439-0300
- Kensington, MD—(301) 942-8110
- Silver Spring, MD—(301) 439-0300