It can be easy to overlook a bunion at first. Bunions tend to take a long time to develop, and they may not cause pain initially. However, if left untreated, bunions can lead to serious discomfort. In some cases, individuals may even suffer from bunion nerve pain, which could prevent them from engaging in regular daily activities. On a positive note, there are measures you can take to protect your feet and alleviate bunion pain. Today, we’ll explain the best practices for relieving bunion pain now and in the future:
Bunions are bony bumps that form along the side of the foot. Though they may not be painful when they first appear, they tend only to get larger and worse with time. Bunions form as a result of misaligned joints, muscles, and tendons within the foot. As such, untreated bunions can contribute to other foot problems. Bunions may even cause nerve damage in the big toe, which can manifest in the form of burning and numbness. Bunions may be painful to the touch or cause dull, throbbing pain throughout the day.
The only way to get rid of a bunion for good is to have it surgically removed. Other treatment methods will –– at best –– address the symptoms of bunions, but not the root cause of bunions themselves. So if you want a long-term solution to bunion pain, then surgery is your best option. (More on that later.) If you’re in need of short-term bunion pain relief, you may consider wearing a bunion cushion or pad underneath your shoe. Such a device won’t reduce or reverse bunions, but they can mitigate some of the pain caused by walking with bunions. In addition, individuals currently suffering from bunion pain may consider utilizing ice packs or anti-inflammatory medication. And it is best for individuals with bunions to avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes such as high-heels. Extra pressure on the foot can exacerbate bunion development and discomfort.
Modern bunion surgery is safe, fast, and effective. Though there are many variations of bunion surgery, many involve the removal of the bunion and the correction of the internal misalignments in the foot. This means individuals who undergo bunion surgery can find relief from bunions now, as well as protection from developing more bunions later.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is itself not pain-free, but it is much less painful than traditional surgical methods. During a minimally invasive bunion surgery, the surgeon makes several very small incisions to remove the bunion and correct any imbalances in the foot. This surgery is an outpatient procedure, so most patients are able to walk out of the operating room and resume many daily activities immediately following their appointment. What’s more, minimally invasive bunion surgery requires significantly shorter recovery periods than traditional surgical techniques. Bunions will not go away on their own, so the sooner you seek treatment for them, the better off you’ll be.
At Northwest Surgery Center, our team are experts in the field of minimally invasive surgery. We have years of experience, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about bunions or bunion surgery. Contact us here to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.