How your podiatrist in Salem, and Bedford, VA, can help with bunions.
Bunions can be painful and debilitating. They are caused by a bone deformity in your foot, and if you wear the wrong shoes, they can become even larger and more painful. Fortunately, your podiatrist can help you get relief from bunion pain.
Dr. Mahmoud Salem at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialists offers a wide variety of podiatry services, including bunion treatment. He has two convenient office locations in Salem, and Bedford, VA, and serves residents of Salem, Bedford, and Roanoke, VA.
So, what shoes should you wear to prevent bunions? You should:
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box, so your toes have room to move around
- Avoid shoes with narrow or pointed toes because they crush your toes together
- Avoid high heels because they push your toes forward, making you more susceptible to bunions
If you develop a bunion, you can try:
- Icing the bunion several times each day
- Wearing inserts or bunion pads in your shoes
- Taping your foot to add support
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
For large bunions or bunions that don’t respond to home therapies, you need to visit your podiatrist, who may recommend:
- Wearing custom orthotics to provide support
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medication
- Wearing custom pads or cushions in your shoes
- Changing to wider footwear
Surgery may also be considered for severe bunion pain, or if there is substantial bone involvement. Bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy is done to remove the bunion and realign your foot.
Wearing the right shoes can do a lot to prevent bunion formation, and wearing the right shoes is critical if you already have a bunion.
To find out more about bunion care and treatment, call Dr. Mahmoud Salem at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialists. You can reach him in both the Salem and Bedford, VA, offices by calling (540) 982-0253, so call now.