Bunions are protrusions on the foot that make wearing shoes uncomfortable and removing your footwear potentially embarrassing.
These bumps on your big toes can only be reversed with surgery, but you can manage the symptoms. Preventing their development in the first place and taking proper action if they do start to form is imperative. Dr. Marc Goldberg, Dr. Michael Frank, Dr. Adam Lowy, and Dr. Scott Nutter of Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Camp Springs, Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, can help you with bunion prevention and intervention.
What causes bunion formation?
These protrusions develop when the joint on the big toe becomes displaced and grows in size. The larger the bump becomes, the more pressure is put on the toe when wearing shoes. The pressure and friction can cause pain, redness, and blisters. If a bunion is causing your toe to bend inward it can irritate or cause pain to the neighboring toes as well.
How can I prevent bunions?
Because bunions can get worse or cause you difficulty walking, so you should take steps to keep them from forming in the first place or progressing. Wearing the right shoes is key because your footwear should be properly fitting with adequate space in the toe box. Your heels should also not be too high as the slant to your foot can cause the toes to rub against the front of the shoe. Narrow shoes also put pressure on the big toe.
If you have injured your foot, it is a good idea to visit our Olney, Camp Springs, Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, or Maple Lawn, MD, office as bunions can result from trauma to the foot.
How can I keep an existing bunion from enlarging?
Switching your footwear is important to keep bunions from progressing. Avoid heeled, pointy-toed, or ill-fitting shoes so your toes have room to move without rubbing too much against the inside of the shoe. A shoe insert may help if your feet are especially flat.
If the cause of your bunion is joint alignment issues, your podiatrist may advise you to wear splints overnight. Once they have developed, bunions will not shrink, so if you have extensive pain surgical removal of the protrusion and toe realignment may be necessary.
Book an appointment with Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Michael Frank, Dr. Adam Lowy, and Dr.Scott Nutter of Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland at one of our convenient locations in Olney, Camp Springs, Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, if you are struggling with bunions. Call us at 301-924-5044.