Treating Your Bunions

Bunions are a common and often painful foot condition that can impact daily life. These bony bumps form at the base of your big toe, pushing it outward and causing discomfort. If you experience persistent pain, consider visiting our team of expert podiatrists at Kansas City Foot and Ankle in South Kansas City (Serving Overland Park, Kansas City, Leawood, Olathe, Prairie Village, Mission, Independence, Shawnee, and Lenexa ),  North Kansas City (Serving patients from Downtown Kansas City, Parkville, North Kansas City, Riverside, Gladstone, Liberty, Smithville, Platte City, Kearney, St. Joseph, and Excelsior Springs),  Country Club Plaza (Serving patients from Kansas City, Downtown, Mission, Roeland Park, Fairway, Mission Hills, Westwood, Prairie Village, Shawnee),  or Lee’s Summit, MO (Serving patients from Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Independence, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, Odessa, Higginsville, Lexington, Buckner, Lone Jack, and Warrensburg) 

Symptoms of bunions typically include redness, swelling, and a noticeable bump inside your foot. You may also feel pain when walking or wearing tight shoes. Ignoring these signs can lead to worsening discomfort and potential complications.

Bunions are often caused by genetics, as they tend to run in families. Additionally, wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially high heels or narrow-toe boxes, can exacerbate the condition. If you notice these symptoms or have a family history of bunions, consult our podiatrists for a comprehensive evaluation.

Treating Your Bunions

Begin by wearing appropriate footwear while treating bunions at home. Choose shoes with a large toe box and plenty of room for your toes. Consider avoiding high heels and shoes with tight, thin fronts. Over-the-counter shoe inserts or custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure and alleviate pain.

Toe spacers or cushions can help separate the affected toe from its neighbors, reducing friction. Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen can alleviate pain and swelling, but consult a healthcare professional for proper dosage. Consider exercises to strengthen your toe muscles and maintain flexibility. Try toe stretches and range-of-motion exercises. Toe separators, like yoga toes, may help.

When To Consider a Visit to Our Podiatrist

If home remedies do not provide relief, if your bunion worsens, or if you notice signs of infection like redness, warmth, or drainage, consult our podiatrist. They may recommend custom orthotics, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention to correct the bunions in South Kansas City, North Kansas City, Downtown Kansas City, or Lee’s Summit, MO, and alleviate pain.

Please explore our website to learn about the conditions we treat and the services provided. Never let bunions hold you back from activities you love. To schedule an appointment with our team of podiatrists at Kansas City Foot and Ankle in South Kansas City, North Kansas City, Downtown Kansas City, or Lee’s Summit, MO, call (816) 943-1111 or book online.