My Bunions Are Affecting My Ability to Wear Shoes: Can You Help?

Bunions 一 officially known as hallux valgus 一 happen when a bump forms at the base of your toe. Although bunions look like a tumor or lump, the reality is that bunions form when your joint is pushed out of alignment. The bump is a bony growth. 

Bunions can be genetic, but they can also develop as a result of arthritis, wearing ill-fitting shoes, having flat feet, or having faulty foot structure.

As the deformity gets worse, the bump gets bigger, and it can press against the inside of your shoes. Over time, bunions can make even small steps painful.

If your bunions make it painful to even wear shoes (let alone walk in them), it’s time to trust the experts at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County.

Let’s take a look at how orthopedic care can help treat bunions.

Can you help with my bunions?

Yes! Our team excels at diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions, and that includes bunions. Bunions can be treated with both conservative and surgical treatments. 

Conservative treatments for bunions

For mild bunions, you may find the most immediate relief in altering your footwear. Swap out narrow shoes for shoes with a wide toe box. Shoes with high heels or pointed toe boxes can exacerbate your symptoms and make bunions and corns worse.

Other shoe-related tips include:

• Adding padding to your shoes to help cushion a painful bunion (but be sure that any added padding doesn’t make your shoes too tight)

• Wearing custom-made orthotics to alleviate the pressure of your bunion

In addition to changing your footwear and using padding or orthotics, you can also take care of your feet at night. Toe spacers placed between your toes help keep your toes in the proper alignment, and wearing a night splint can keep your toes straight while you sleep.

If your feet still hurt after a long day, you may find additional relief by stretching your feet and applying cold compresses (for up to 20 minutes at a time) to your feet. Never place ice directly on your feet, as it can damage your skin. Instead, use cold compresses wrapped in cloth or a tea towel to protect your skin. 

You may also consider taking medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Always take medication as directed.

Despite your best efforts, bunions can still cause problems. If these conservative treatments aren’t enough to alleviate your symptoms, you may consider more advanced treatments.

Surgical treatments for bunions

Here at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County, our team utilizes the most advanced techniques to surgically treat bunions. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your specific needs, we may recommend either of the following procedures:

• Osteotomy, a procedure in which we realign the bones in your big toe and correct ligaments and tendons as needed
• Arthrodesis, a procedure for bunions related to arthritis

Rest assured that our team performs a thorough examination, reviews your symptoms, analyzes any diagnostic images (such as x-rays), and creates an individualized treatment plan for you.

The verdict is…

To answer the titular question, yes, we can help you find relief from bunions and toe pain. You don’t need to wait until your symptoms get worse. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet, whether that’s with specialty devices like orthotics, physical therapy, or surgery.

To schedule an appointment, you can call us at 248-335-2977, text us at 248-955-2622, or use our online form.