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Treating Your Bunions

Surgery isn’t necessarily the answer. Here’s how you can treat your bunions.

Everything from genetics to wearing high heels can leave you dealing with a bunion. Of course, the minute you notice any changes in the shape and structure of your feet it’s a good idea to turn to our podiatrist Dr. Mahmoud Salem here at Salem and Roanoke, VA, to find out if it’s a bunion. Luckily, if a bunion is caught early it can be treated with simple at-home care and lifestyle modifications.


Avoid Bunion Surgery 

We know that most people dealing with bunions turn to our Roanoke, VA, foot and ankle doctor because they want to prevent the need for bunion surgery. Fortunately, by adjusting your lifestyle and improving certain everyday habits you can prevent the bunion from getting worse. Here are just some effective ways to reduce bunion pain, swelling and enlargement,


Wear the right shoes 

Whether you’ve already been told that you have a bunion or you’re looking to prevent a bunion from happening to you, the best thing you can do is to wear appropriately fitted shoes. This means saying goodbye to high heels and shoes with a narrow toe box. Any shoes that put pressure on the bunion or bunch up your toes are only going to make the problem worse. Only wear wide shoes that are made from a flexible material such as leather or canvas that offer your feet some give.


Say “yes” to arch support 

Along with finding shoes that provide your bunion with additional support, you may also find relief through orthotics or shoe inserts, which can distribute the weight more evenly throughout the foot to take some of the pressure off your bunion. Talk with our podiatrist if you’re interested in prescription orthotics.  


Lose excess weight 

Are you carrying around an extra 20, 30 or 40 pounds? If so, this added weight can put more pressure on your feet. Over time, this can exacerbate your bunion. By getting regular exercise and eating a healthier, balanced diet, you can safely shed that weight to improve the health of your feet.


Wear a splint 

Our Roanoke, VA, podiatrist Dr. Salem can also provide you with a special splint, or at the very least show you how to tape your foot, to “realign” the toe. While it won’t correct the deformity, splinting or taping the foot could slow down its progression.


If you would like to prevent the need for bunion surgery then turn to the Roanoke and Salem, VA, podiatry team at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialist right away to find out the best strategies for preventing your bunion from getting worse. To schedule a consultation please call (540) 982-0253.

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