Bunions are deformities of the feet that don’t go away on their own—in fact, they usually worsen without treatment. They change the way you walk and how your feet fit inside of your shoes. Get help from a podiatrist at Advanced Foot Care Center in Ridgefield, CT, so that you can have your bunions treated and get your feet back to their proper alignment.

How Bunions Form
In its normal state, the inside of your foot is relatively straight from the top of the toe to the heel. When you have a bunion, there is a large lump at the base of the toe called hallux valgus that looks like an unnatural growth. But it’s not a growth—it's the toe joint pushing outward, causing the toe to move inward. This is usually caused by wearing shoes that squeeze the toes together, like pointed high heels or restrictive dress shoes. Bunions are common in athletes and people who work on their feet for most of the day. Some patients have a family history of bunions and joint weakness.

Dealing with Bunions 
Living with bunions is a challenge because of how they look and how they make your feet feel when you’re wearing shoes. They also affect the way you walk, because you may be trying to compensate for the pain. If you continue to maintain the same habits that caused the bunions to form, they will continue to get worse. Your best bet is to consult with a Ridgefield podiatrist so that you can get X-rays and talk about solutions.

Seeking Treatment
Your bunions may be treatable. Non-surgical methods include realigning the foot by taping it or creating a custom orthotic device. Placing padding between the toes can also retrain them into the right position, and also reduce pain. Depending on the severity of the bunion, you may need to wear an orthopedic shoe until it heals. To help with pain your podiatrist may administer a corticosteroid injection or prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery, also called a bunionectomy, will repair and realign the joint.

Your Podiatrist Can Help
Some people look at their unsightly, painful bunions and assume that this foot condition is irreversible. But there may be treatments that can help you. Call (203) 431-0048 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allan Rosenthal at Advanced Foot Care Center in Ridgefield, CT.