Are your bunions preventing you from enjoying an active, pain-free lifestyle? Your podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Indiana offer treatments that can help relieve your pain. Offices in Plainfield, Carmel, Fishers/Saxony, Avon, Noblesville, and Indianapolis, IN, mean you won't have to travel far to see your foot doctor.

Treating bunion pain at home

Easing pressure on the bony bump at the base of your big toe can help reduce pain. Avoid high heels or tight shoes that press against your bunion. Applying adhesive pads to your bunion will reduce friction and prevent corns and calluses.

Has your big toe begun to overlap your second toe? Make sure the shoes you choose are wide enough to accommodate your bunion. If your big toe has begun to overlap your second toe, look for shoes that offer high toe boxes. During warmer weather, wearing sandals may be more comfortable.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and ice can help reduce pain and swelling caused by bunions. Swelling and pain may increase after you've been on your feet for a while. Avoiding activities and exercises that involve prolonged periods of walking or standing may help you keep your pain under control.

Toe exercises strengthen your toe and reduce stiffness. Try to pick up marbles with your toes or scrunch a towel under your feet with your toes.

How your foot doctor can help you

It's a good idea to call your Plainfield, Carmel, Fishers/Saxony, Avon, Noblesville, and Indianapolis, IN, podiatrist if the over-the-counter medication doesn't adequately control your pain or your bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Your foot doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments or devices:

• Night Splints: Wearing splints while you sleep helps keep your joints properly aligned and slows the progression of bunions.
• Corticosteroid Injections: If your pain is severe, corticosteroid injections can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Orthotics: Orthotics are prescription shoe inserts that keep your foot aligned when you wear shoes. The inserts also support and cushion your foot, reducing pressure on your bunion.
• Surgery: Unfortunately, bunions won't go away on their own. Surgery is the only way to get rid of bunions. During surgery, your podiatrist removes the bony bump and excess tissue. In addition to realigning the joints, tendons and ligaments may need to be repositioned. In severe cases, it may be necessary to fuse the bones in the joint together.
  
  

Don't let bunion pain keep you off your feet! Schedule an appointment with your Indianapolis, IN, podiatrists at Podiatry Associate of Indiana. You can reach these offices by calling the following numbers:

• South: (317) 888-0560
• East: (317) 452-8717
• Downtown: (317) 924-4797
• Carmel: (317) 564-0958
• North West: (317) 297-0661
• Plainfield: (317) 856-8866
• North East: (317) 621-3338
• Fishers/Saxony: (317) 537-8200
• Avon: (317) 217-2022
• Noblesville: (317) 776-0077