Bunions are enlargements and misalignment of the joints at the base of the big toes. The bad news is that bunions will not go away — they are permanent. The good news is that you can stop the discomfort and pain with certain forms of treatment.
One way to treat your bunions is to take anti-inflammatory medication and place ice packs on them to ease any swelling. This is only necessary when they are irritated, inflamed or painful to the touch. While icing your bunions, take a moment to put up your feet and rest.
Another good way to treat your bunions is to ditch the uncomfortable shoes. Many people believe that the foot condition is caused by high heels or pointed-toed shoes, but this hasn’t been proven. However, these types of shoes will exacerbate the problem and make your bunions more prominent and painful. The notoriously tight and narrow shoe styles can also disturb tailor’s bunions or “bunionettes” — these are the bunions sitting on the joints of your smallest toes.
Comfortable shoes with deep toe-beds are excellent treatment options and preventative measures. Visit the clinic to buy the best custom orthotics Toronto has to offer in a variety of styles and brands that will rival your most fashionable high heels. There are plenty of dress shoes available that will look chic and feel comfortable at the same time.
The shoe options will also be helpful for anyone whose bunion has affected their foot shape. If that’s the case, let one of the clinic representatives know and we’ll work hard to get you the right shoe fit.
Another great way to reduce bunion progression is to use custom foot orthotics. Custom foot orthotics can be made to your specific arch profile to reduce excessively high pressures at the forefoot, which can, in turn, aggravate and accelerate bunion formation. Orthotics can also be made to control any biomechanical abnormalities that contribute to higher pressures through the 1st metatarsal head; most commonly overpronation and underpronation.
If you are looking to get a pair of custom orthotics, you should set up an appointment and meet our Toronto team of orthopedic doctors as soon as possible. Our chiropodists will work with you to get the perfect orthotics for your footwear.
The only way to get rid of bunions is to get them surgically removed. You shouldn’t consider bunion surgery unless the condition is impacting your everyday life:
- Other treatments are not reducing swelling or pain.
- The pain affects your walking.
- You circumvent your usual routine to avoid walking, standing or exercise.
You can visit our Toronto podiatry clinic any time you are suffering from foot pain or discomfort. We will work tirelessly to get to the root of your foot problems and find the treatment options that make your life easier.
Bunions shouldn’t dictate your daily life. They shouldn’t stop you from running errands or going for walks. They shouldn’t cause you discomfort the minute you slip on a shoe. Try simple solutions like anti-inflammatories, orthopaedic shoes or orthotics to deal with your bunions. If those don’t cut it, then you can start looking into surgery.
