Bunions, a common foot ailment, can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily activities. Characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe, bunions form when the bones in the front of the foot become misaligned, pushing the big toe towards the other toes. This condition not only alters the foot's structure but also leads to symptoms like redness, soreness, and swelling. In severe cases, bunions can result in chronic pain and restricted mobility.

Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe and occurs when the bones at the front of your foot are moved out of place. This shift causes the big toe to encroach and bend towards the other toes, causing the base of your big toe to stick out. These changes in foot structure may cause the skin to turn red and sore.

Along with swelling and redness, you may also develop corns or calluses between your second and first toe, from the shift and rubbing of the toes. The other symptoms associated with bunions are ongoing and situational foot pain, as well as limited mobility in the big toe.

Podiatrists say individuals with the following preexisting conditions may be more susceptible to bunions: inherited foot type, foot stress and injuries, foot deformities, and arthritis. Though bunions rarely require medical treatment, you should consult with your podiatrist if you notice the following symptoms:

• Persistent big toe and foot pain
• A large bump on the side of your big toe
• Decreased toe and foot mobility
• Difficulty finding and wearing shoes due to the bunion.

Effective Strategies for Managing Bunion Pain 

Your podiatrist may suggest a few different treatment methods to manage your foot pain depending on the severity of the bunion. Nonsurgical options are most common and will help to relieve some of the pressure on the foot. These are a few of the treatment methods your podiatrist may prescribe:

• Change into a pair of comfortable shoes that provide plenty of space for your toes.
• Over-the-counter padding can be placed on the bunion and act as a buffer between the foot and your shoe to alleviate foot pain and discomfort.
• NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used to reduce pain and swelling. Common NSAIDs include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
• Padded shoe inserts help to evenly distribute pressure throughout the feet. This added cushion will help to reduce foot pain and prevent bunions from worsening.
• Ice can be especially helpful after a long day. Apply a cold compress or ice pack if your swelling, redness, or inflammation worsens at night. If you have circulation problems in your feet consult with your podiatrist before taking this route.

If you feel that these treatments have not helped to alleviate your foot pain, you should consult with your podiatrist about more extensive treatment. For more advanced bunions, surgery will help to relieve your foot pain. Surgery is not recommended for cosmetic reasons and should only be performed if the bunion is preventing you from performing daily activities. These procedures are often performed in one sitting and may involve:

• Removing the swollen tissue surrounding your big toe joint.
• Removing part of the big toe to straighten the bone.
• Straightening the forefoot to a normal position to realign the abnormal angle in the big toe joint. 
• Permanently fusing the bones of your affected joint. 

Proven Tips to Prevent Foot Pain Caused by Bunions

To manage and alleviate foot pain, it is recommended to avoid common bunion risk factors. Lifestyle changes related to footwear can be helpful. It is advisable to avoid wearing high-heeled, narrow, and tight shoes. If other family members suffer from bunions or if you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is best to steer clear of heeled and tight-fitting footwear.

Hereditary and arthritis conditions can increase the likelihood of developing bunions, and wearing these types of shoes will only worsen the condition. If you have a pre-existing condition, make an effort to wear shoes with a wide toe box. Meaning there is space between the side of your big toe and the edge of the shoe. 

Why You Should Visit Physicians Footcare for Bunion Pain Relief

If you notice swelling or redness on the side of your big toe, you should consult with your podiatrist. Bunions can cause foot pain, but they should not limit your mobility or turn daily activities into a painful burden. If you are experiencing this type of pain or discomfort, consult with a podiatrist. They will be able to provide you with conservative and surgical treatment options.

At Physicians Footcare, we believe that foot pain has no place in your daily life. If you or a loved one is experiencing bunion complications or is looking to learn more about foot health, schedule an appointment with us today. We have offices throughout Georgia and South Carolina and are here to help you get back to living life without the burden of foot pain.