A bunion is a swollen, bony growth at the base of your big toe. It’s one of the most common foot ailments in the country, with about one-third of Americans living with this painful condition.
Bunions develop slowly and typically worsen with time. That tell-tale bump on the side of your foot is the result of structural changes inside your foot, and unfortunately, bunions don’t go away on their own.
The good news is that surgery isn’t your only solution for bunion pain. Guillermo Duarte, MD, and our team at Manhattan Orthopedics offer bunion treatment with custom orthotics to relieve your symptoms and help you get back on your feet.
A bunion, or Hallux Valgus, develops when your big toe starts to lean toward your second toe. Over time, the pressure makes structures inside your foot change, and a bony protrusion develops along the side of your big toe joint.
Anyone can get a bunion, and the most common causes are tight shoes, high heels, and genetic predisposition. In fact, 70% of people who get bunions have a family history of the condition.
Common bunion symptoms include
For many people, bunions are a source of persistent pain and discomfort, especially during weight-bearing activities like walking or standing. The friction between the bunion and your shoes can exacerbate the pain and contribute to swelling.
Along with inflammation, the friction and pressure from your bunion against shoes can make painful calluses and corns develop. As the bunion grows larger, it can start to restrict your toe’s range of motion.
A bunion is a structural abnormality in your foot, and that means nonsurgical treatments cannot correct the bunion itself. However, plenty of conservative bunion treatments can offer valuable support and pain relief.
One such option is custom orthotics. Dr. Duarte often recommends custom-made orthotic insoles to address the biomechanical issues contributing to your bunion pain. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
Your orthotic insoles are designed to redistribute pressure away from your bunion. Less pressure means reduced friction and pain, helping to alleviate discomfort during daily activities.
Foot alignment issues can contribute to bunion formation and even make them worse. Custom orthotics help correct any alignment issues you may have by providing proper arch support and cushioning. Wearing orthotic insoles also encourages a more natural and balanced gait.
When you have a bunion, the impact of each step can make the pain worse. Orthotic insoles boost shock absorption to cushion your foot, reduce strain on your bunion, and make walking more comfortable.
Without proactive care, bunions can lead to other foot problems like calluses and hammertoes. Orthotics can help you avoid complications and other foot problems by redistributing pressure across your foot and providing extra support.
For many people, custom orthotics provide much-needed relief from bunion pain. This proactive approach helps prevent bunions from worsening and can even help you delay or avoid the need for bunion surgery.
Get the personalized care and pain relief you need with bunion care at Manhattan Orthopedics in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York. Call the office nearest you, or request an appointment online to get started.
