Treatment For Bunions in Marietta, GA
Bunions can be painful and debilitating. They are also one of the most common foot problems treated by a podiatrist. Dr. Mark Light at East Cobb Foot & Ankle in Marietta, GA, provides a wide range of podiatry services including bunion surgery to help you get relief from bunion pain.
What You Need To Know About Bunions
A bunion is a hard bony bump which develops on the side of your big toe. Bunions are caused by a genetic bone deformity which makes your big toe joint protrude outward.
Risk Factors for Bunions
Women are at greater risk of bunion formation because of wearing shoes with a narrow toe box. This crushes the toes together, causing the big toe joint to rub against the inside of a shoe. High heels increase the probability of bunion formation because they force the toes forward.
What You Can Do To Relieve Bunion Pain
If you have a small bunion, you can try a few simple tips including:
- Wearing inserts or padding in your shoes to cushion the bunion
- Taping the bunion to provide support and stability
- Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication to relieve inflammation and pain
- Changing to wider, more supportive shoes to prevent bunion formation
How Our Podiatrist Can Help You Get Relief From Bunion Pain
When you visit your podiatrist, your doctor may recommend imaging studies to determine the level of bone involvement and which bunion treatment would be best for you. Minimally invasive bunion treatments include:
- Custom-fit orthotics and footwear
- Corticosteroid injections around the bunion
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications
When You Might Need Bunion Surgery
Our podiatrist may recommend bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, if you are experiencing:
- Severe foot pain which limits walking or wearing shoes
- Chronic inflammation and swelling of your big toe
- Bone deformity and stiffness in your big toe
Types of Bunion Surgery
There are several types of bunion surgery, and your podiatrist is an expert at determining which type will benefit you. The goals of bunion surgery are to remove the bunion, relieve pain, restore the toe joint, and realign your toe. This can be accomplished in several ways, including:
- Fusing your big toe joint
- Surgically straightening your big toe
- Removing soft tissue or bone