Newtown Podiatrists Treat Bunions
Our Newtown, PA, podiatrist Dr. Howard Shapiro or Dr. Jack Gorman just told you that the protruding bump coming from the base of your big toe is a bunion. At this point, you may be wondering how this happened. What is a bunion? How does it form? How can you prevent it from getting worse? We are here to answer your questions about this common foot deformity and what you can do to keep feet feeling their best even with bunions.
What causes bunions to form?
There are many reasons why a bunion may appear. Bunions never appear suddenly but develop over the course of many years. If family members also have bunions then you may just want to thank genetics for this foot deformity.
Of course, wearing improper footwear that puts too much pressure on the joints of the foot can also lead to an imbalance in the foot, which can result in a bunion down the road. Women who wear high heels may be more likely to develop bunions than those who wear supportive shoes with a low heel.
How do you treat a bunion?
There are many ways to make sure that a bunion doesn’t get worse with simple, at-home measures. If you notice that your bunion starts to hurt or ache this is a good time to rest your foot. It is also a good idea to wear shoes that fit well and don't press on the bunion.
Our Newtown, PA, foot doctor can also show you certain exercises you can perform every day to help stretch out and strengthen the muscles, ligaments, tissue and joints of the foot to improve your foot health over time to prevent structural imbalances. Talk to us about whether wearing custom-made orthotics (shoe inserts) or if bracing the foot could also provide your bunion and foot with the relief you needs.
Only in severe cases are bunions treated with more aggressive measures. If symptoms are severe or don’t respond to these conservative treatment options then it’s time to talk to us about other options. Only when the condition is serious enough is surgery recommended to repair the joint.
Bux-Mont Foot & Ankle Care Centers in Newtown and Warminster, PA, is here to provide the comprehensive, thorough care you deserve. If you are having difficulty treating your bunion pain then give us a call today. Let us help you - call today!