Bunions are a very common foot problem but since they tend to progress so slowly many people ignore them until the big toe is severely bent with a large bump protruding on the side or top.
Bunions are a very common foot problem but since they tend to progress so slowly many people ignore them until the big toe is severely bent with a large bump protruding on the side or top.
The tendency to develop bunions is largely inherited but wearing improperly sized or tight fitting shoes like high heels can increase bunion formation.
3 excellent treatments for bunions include the following:
- Stretching and strengthening therapy—Physical therapy exercises will increase the flexibility of the tendons and strengthen the toe muscles. Towel scrunching exercises are an excellent method that involves simply standing on a small towel and scrunching your toes back and forth fifteen or twenty times for each foot.
- Wear properly sized and fitted shoes—To keep bunions from rubbing on your shoes, wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box to accommodate the bunion bumps. Having enough room around the bunion will also help to prevent painful corns from developing on the bunion.
- Use custom made orthotic inserts and braces—Orthotic shoe inserts and specially made braces will spread the toes apart to promote straightening and to prevent rubbing and blistering. Larger straightening braces can be worn at night and will help to pull the big toe into the proper position.
Treat bunions early since they become more rigid and painful over time. Surgery may eventually be needed to straighten out the big toe and reduce the size of the bunion bump.
If you need help treating bunions, the foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors of Geoffrey C. Epstein, D.P.M. Matthew J. Tavroff, D.P.M. Stuart B. Leon, D.P.M. Robert J. Leon, D.P.M. is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.
