Find out the best ways to manage your bunion symptoms.
The sooner you find out that you have a bunion the sooner you can provide your feet with the care and treatment it deserves to prevent this common foot deformity from getting worse. From the office of our Kensington, MD, podiatrists Dr. Michael Frank, Dr. Marc Goldberg and Dr. Adam Lowy, find out the best ways to prevent bunion pain.
Wear the Right Shoes
Did you know that wearing high heels with a 2.5-inch heel can increase how much weight is placed on the forefoot by 75 percent? Imagine what that added pressure can do to your bunion. Needless to say, it’s probably going to cause you pain and discomfort, not to mention make the bunion worse. Play it safe and stay away from high heels whenever possible, opting for more conservative shoes with heels that are less than 2 inches.
Alleviate Pain
If you notice that a day of wearing shoes has left your bunion feeling rather angry and pained then you may be looking for a way to relieve your pain. There are a couple simple measures that could help. Ice is a great option for not just easing pain but also reducing swelling.
Wrap an ice pack in a towel and then apply to the bunion for up to 10 minutes at a time. If the pain is really bothering you and you’re looking for a quick, temporary fix then an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can eliminate your pain and swelling.
Apply Protective Padding
You’re going to have to put on your shoes at some point, so why not make it feel more comfortable? Sure, you should always be wearing shoes that fit properly and don’t put pressure on the bunion but it’s also a good idea to give your bunion a little added protection. You can do this by applying a non-medicated protective pad over the area. These protective bunion pads may contain gel or be made from soft materials like moleskin. Choose the one that feels best for you.
While a bunion will not go away by itself it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to provide your feet with the proper care it needs to prevent the bunion from getting worse from your podiatrist in Kensington, MD. Of course, it’s important to know whether or not you are even dealing with a bunion. Call Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland today to schedule a consultation with your podiatrist in Olney, Silver Spring, Camp Springs/Clinton, and Kensington, MD.