A bunion is a bony protrusion that forms on the lower joint of the big toe. It is caused by bone in the frontal foot slipping out of place. It causes the big toe to draw inwards towards the smaller toes and the lower big toe joint to protrude outwards. Bunions can be painful. Dr. Vincent Bonini, Dr. Robert J. Toomey III, and Dr. Shruti A. Patel are podiatrists at Potomac Podiatry Group in Woodbridge, where they provide full foot and ankle care.
Treating Your Bunions at Home
Woodbridge residents with bunions can try the following to relieve the pressure and pain of bunions:
- Try different shoes: Choose shoes with large toe boxes so that your toes are not compressed.
- Wear bunion padding: You can purchase bunion pads from your local pharmacy. They protect your bunions from pressure from your shoes.
- OTC medication: If your bunions are painful. ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium may help.
- Orthotic inserts: Shoe inserts can ease the discomfort of bunions and prevent them from worsening.
Surgical Options for Bunions
If more conservative options are not helping, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. Surgical procedures for bunions include:
- Removal of the inflamed tissue from the toe joint.
- Removal of part of the bone to straighten the toe.
- Straightening the foot bones to correct big toe alignment.
- Fusing the bones of the affected toe.
You should be able to walk after bunion surgery, though full recovery can take up to several months. After surgery, you will have to wear well-fitting shoes to prevent the bunions from reoccurring.
If you live in Woodbridge and have bunions that are painful or causing difficulty when you walk or wear shoes, call the Woodbridge office at (703) 583-5959 or the Chantilly office at (703) 490-5599 to request an appointment.