If you have a bunion, you may be wondering about your treatment options. Your podiatrist has the answers you need. Dr. Jeffrey Agricola at Prestige Podiatry provides a wide range of foot and ankle services, including bunion treatment. He has two convenient office locations in Carmel and Indianapolis, IN.
What You Need To Know About Bunions and Bunion Treatment
A bunion is a hard, bony bump on the side of your big toe. It’s caused by a genetic bone deformity that makes your big toe joint point outward. The big toe joint may rub against the inside of your shoe, causing friction. Inflammation follows, and then a bunion can form.
You may be able to treat a small bunion yourself if you try:
- Applying ice to the bunion several times each day
- Wrapping the bunion and your toe to provide support and cushioning
- Wearing open shoes to prevent friction
- Wearing wedges or cushions inside your shoes
- Changing to wider shoes, with plenty of room for your toes
If you have a larger, more painful bunion that is affecting your ability to put on shoes, your podiatrist may recommend non-surgical treatment options, including:
- Wearing custom-fit orthotics or footwear
- Shaving calluses and corns to decrease friction
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medications to decrease pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections around the bunion to decrease inflammation and pain
These non-surgical methods can work, depending on the bunion size and how much pain you are experiencing. If non-surgical methods don’t provide the relief you need, your podiatrist may recommend surgical therapy, known as a bunionectomy. There are different types of bunion surgery, including conventional and minimally invasive procedures. Your podiatrist can discuss surgical options with you. Both types of bunion surgery will remove the bunion and realign your foot and toe.
Want To Know More About Bunions and Bunion Treatment?
To learn more about treating bunions, call Dr. Jeffrey Agricola at Prestige Podiatry. You can reach him in Carmel, IN, by calling (317) 846-4111 or in Indianapolis, IN, by calling (317) 881-0070, so call today.