How your podiatrists in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY, can help with bunions
Bunions are painful and disfiguring. They can also impact your life by making it difficult to put on shoes and walk or stand. Fortunately, your podiatrist is an expert at treating bunions, so you can get back on your feet again.
Your podiatrists at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery provide comprehensive foot and ankle services, including treatment of bunions. They have several convenient office locations in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY.
Bunions can be caused by a genetic bone deformity in your foot, forcing your big toe joint to protrude outward. The joint begins to rub on the inside of your shoe, causing irritation and inflammation. Eventually, a bunion will form.
Women are more susceptible to bunions because women often wear narrow shoes with a pointed toe box, which pushes the toes together. High heels make the problem worse by forcing the toes forward.
For small bunions, there are several steps you can take to get relief. You should:
- Take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
- Tape your foot to cushion and support the bunion
- Wear pads or inserts in your shoes
For larger, more painful bunions, you need to visit your podiatrist, who may recommend:
- Custom orthotics or footwear to support your foot
- Cortisone injections around the bunion to reduce swelling
Bunion surgery, also known as a bunionectomy, is also an option. Your podiatrist can discuss which surgical option is best for you. Surgical options include:
- Surgically straightening your big toe and foot
- Fusing your toe joints
- Removing swelling and tissue around your toe joint
- Removing bone in your big toe
To learn more about finding the right treatment for bunions, talk with the experts. Call your podiatrists at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery. You can reach them in the Horseheads, NY, office by calling (607) 739-8318, or in Waverly, NY, by calling (607) 565-8128, or in Elmira, NY, at (607) 734-4582. Call now.