Bunions: Taking Control of Your Foot Health

Your big toe supports much of your body’s weight, working hard each time you push your foot off the ground. That’s why bunions, bony bumps that tend to form near the joint at your big toe’s base, are so painful and restricting. Untreated, they inflict aches, irritate the skin, cause swelling, and limit your choice of footwear.

Fortunately, the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute offers multiple methods for correcting and managing bunions. And for this blog post, we’re going to share a few of those techniques with you.

Taking Charge of Your Footwear

The first line of defense is changing up your footwear.

  • Select wider shoes with a roomy toe box to alleviate pressure.
  • Podiatrists can also recommend orthotics, custom-made shoe inserts that help realign your foot and reduce stress on the bunion joint.

Comfort and Support

For additional relief, consider gel bunion sleeves that cushion the bony prominence.

  • Similarly, a comfortable bunion splint worn at night can help maintain proper toe alignment while you sleep.
  • These measures can be particularly beneficial during recovery from surgery.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

When conservative measures aren’t enough, minimally invasive bunion surgery might be an option. Performed on an outpatient basis, these procedures often allow you to walk the same day. Advancements in surgical techniques have also minimized post-operative pain, making recovery far more comfortable.

Surgical Solutions for All Cases

Bunion surgery encompasses a variety of procedures.

  • In some cases, realignment of soft tissues and tendons might be sufficient.
  • More advanced procedures may involve shaving down the bony bump or even realigning bones in the foot.

Fast Recovery and Returning to Activity

The beauty of minimally invasive bunion surgery is the rapid recovery time.

  • In most cases, you’ll be able to walk out of the surgery center and resume normal activities within a few days to a week.
  • While some patients may require a special shoe for a few weeks to promote healing, innovations in surgical methods ensure a swift return to your active lifestyle.

Struggling with bunions? The Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute offers comprehensive podiatric services! Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.

Don’t forget Dr. Michaels’s motto: “If it’s below the knee, think of me!”