Treatment for Your Bunions | Errol Gindi, DPM (2024)

Bunions can hit anyone, at any age, though they’re slightly more common as you get older. Most people begin to notice bunion development in their 20s and 30s. Usually the result of a genetic trait that tends to run in families, your bunion may not cause any problems other than a distorted appearance. However, poor footwear choices can cause pain and the joint deterioration can become arthritic over time.

There’s plenty you can try to deal with bunions yourself, though when you need support, Errol Gindi D.P.M. is your choice for podiatrist in Valley Stream and Hicksville, New York. Dr. Gindi goes beyond over-the-counter solutions and ends your bunion pain for good.

Bunion signs and symptoms

The joint of your big toe is over the ball of your foot. It’s natural to have a slight outward “bump” in this location, but when a bunion starts to form, this bump becomes more dramatic. The upper bones of your big toe may be pressed inward toward your second toe.

The skin over a bunion can sometimes become red, swollen, and sore. The contacting surfaces between toes might develop corns and calluses and you could experience reduced mobility of the toe joint. Your bunion may hurt from time to time, or it could always cause pain. It’s also possible to develop bunionettes on your baby toes.

Bunions and footwear

The medical consensus is that poorly fitting shoes don’t cause bunions, but they can aggravate them and cause them to deteriorate faster. Often, bunion pain results from pressure and contact with ill-fitted shoes, while those who wear shoes with adequate room for their toes tend to suffer pain only when the joint becomes arthritic.

Treatment for bunions

It’s not surprising that the first-line treatment for bunions looks at your shoes. Choose comfortable shoes with plenty of room for your toes. Don’t pick a larger size, as that will potentially cause other foot problems. Instead, opt for a shoe that’s in your regular size. Avoid pointed footwear that presses your toes together.

Other treatments you can consider include:

  • Inserts that help to position your foot within the shoe, such as over the counter orthotics or arch supports
  • Use bunion pads to cushion the big toe joint when wearing shoes
  • Over the counter pain medication may help if you have occasional bunion pain
  • Cold compresses can reduce pain and swelling if bunion pain results from occasional overuse
  • Lose weight to reduce overall pressure on your feet

Make an appointment with Dr. Gindi if your bunion doesn’t respond to home care, when the pain becomes constant, or when you can’t find suitable shoes. There are additional bunion treatments including splints, cortisone shots, corn and callus removal, physical therapy, and surgical approaches.

Contact Errol Gindi D.P.M. by phone or online to book appointments at the most convenient location. There’s no need to tolerate life with bunion pain. Schedule your consultation now.

Treatment for Your Bunions | Errol Gindi, DPM (2024)

FAQs

Treatment for Your Bunions | Errol Gindi, DPM? ›

Gindi if your bunion doesn't respond to home care, when the pain becomes constant, or when you can't find suitable shoes. There are additional bunion treatments including splints, cortisone shots, corn and callus removal, physical therapy, and surgical approaches. Contact Errol Gindi D.P.M.

What do podiatrists recommend for bunions? ›

Your podiatrist will likely recommend the following treatment options for your bunion:
  • · Padding and Taping (Usually Your First-Line Treatment) ...
  • Anti-Inflammatories and Cortisone Injections. ...
  • Prescription Orthotics. ...
  • Surgery.
Feb 12, 2021

What is the new fix for bunions? ›

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone.

Is there a bunion corrector that actually works? ›

Unfortunately, there is no medical research or data to support the claim that bunion correctors straighten the big toe.

What's the best treatment for bunions on your feet? ›

Nonsurgical treatments that may relieve the pain and pressure of a bunion include:
  • Changing shoes. Wear roomy, comfortable shoes that provide plenty of space for your toes.
  • Padding. Over-the-counter, nonmedicated bunion pads or cushions may be helpful. ...
  • Medications. ...
  • Shoe inserts. ...
  • Applying ice.

Can a podiatrist fix a bunion without surgery? ›

Other non-surgical treatments for bunions include injections of cortisone or oral anti-inflammatory medication and wearing custom-made shoes that accommodate the bunion deformity.

Does insurance cover bunion surgery? ›

Bunion surgery costs depend on the type of surgery you have, where you have the procedure, your health insurance or Medicare coverage, and more. Generally, if your bunion pain is leading to physical limitations, and surgery is deemed medically necessary by your podiatrist, insurance will cover the procedure.

How can I shrink my bunions naturally? ›

  1. Massage and Exercise Your Feet. One of the simplest ways to treat your bunions without surgery is to, in fact, exercise your feet. ...
  2. Take a Paracetamol. ...
  3. Soak Your Feet in a Foot Bath. ...
  4. Ice Your Feet. ...
  5. Put Your Feet Up! ...
  6. Try Castor Oil. ...
  7. Try Bunion Pads. ...
  8. Try Bunion Splints.
Jul 20, 2022

How can I straighten my bunions without surgery? ›

Other tips for bunion relief
  1. Wear well-fitting, comfortable footwear that provide sufficient toe room.
  2. Avoid flip-flops, high heels, and pointed, narrow, or tight shoes.
  3. Use padded shoe inserts to enhance comfort, alignment, and arch support.
  4. Wear a brace to hold the toe straight.
Aug 5, 2021

Is walking barefoot good for bunions? ›

Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.

Do bunion spacers really work? ›

While the scientific evidence supporting the use of toe spacers for bunions is limited, many people report experiencing relief from their bunion symptoms when using these devices. While toe spacers may not be a cure for bunions, they can potentially provide some relief for those suffering from this painful condition.

What is the device to fix bunions without surgery? ›

Caretras Bunion Corrector

It helps relieve discomfort, pressure, and inflammation by constantly applying gentle pressure when on. For the best relief and effectiveness, wear the corrector for 20 minutes each day and gradually increase your usage until you can comfortably wear it for two to three hours.

Do bunion cushions really work? ›

They don't cure bunions, but some people find they provide temporary pain relief. More scientific evidence is needed to learn if they can slow down bunion progression. Surgery is the only effective treatment for severe bunions that don't respond to nonsurgical treatments.

How do podiatrists get rid of bunions? ›

Fortunately, there are several surgical treatment options available for bunions. The most common procedure involves cutting out the bunion and realigning the toe. Sometimes, podiatric surgeons may use pins or screws to hold the toe in place while it heals.

How to stop a bunion from growing? ›

Bunion prevention and management: 5 things to start doing
  1. Make sure your shoes are the right size and fit. ...
  2. Avoid wearing high heels every day (or retire them altogether) ...
  3. Rest your feet. ...
  4. Do bunion stretches and exercises to strengthen your feet. ...
  5. Monitor your feet for changes.

What is the main cause of bunions? ›

Bunions are usually caused by prolonged pressure put on the feet that compresses the big toe and pushes it toward the second toe. Over time, the condition may become painful as extra bone grows where the base of the big toe meets the foot.

What is the best shoe to wear if you have bunions? ›

Scholl's Nova Slip-on Sneaker is our pick. Despite the lower price, they had some of the highest marks in testing. The width in the toe area offered us bunion support, and they broke in well. They ran true to size, and we experienced no pain in our toes, heels, or arches.

Does walking barefoot help bunions? ›

Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.

What is the best anti-inflammatory for bunions? ›

Our doctors may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and relieve pain in the foot and toe affected by a bunion. NSAIDs are taken by mouth. Many of these medications, including ibuprofen and naproxen, are available without a prescription.

Do toe spacers help bunions? ›

Bunion toe spacers cannot cure bunions, but they can help manage pain and prevent further damage to the toe joint.

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