Treating Your Bunions

Bunions can be painful and interfere with daily activities like walking. Fortunately, the experienced podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Clinic, serving Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, Menomonie, Stanley, Shell Lake, and Cumberland, WI, offer a wide range of podiatry services, including effective treatment for bunions.

What You Need to Know About Bunions and Bunion Treatment

Bunions typically develop due to a genetic bone deformity that causes the big toe joint to angle outward. The prominent joint often rubs against the inside of shoes, leading to inflammation and eventual bunion formation. Bunions are particularly common in women due to narrow-toed shoes and high heels pushing the toes forward.

Home Remedies for Small Bunions

Bunions appear as a bony bump on the side of the big toe. For smaller bunions, home remedies include:

• Over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
• Ice packs for daily relief
• Taping to support the bunion
• Pads or inserts in shoes for added cushioning

When to Seek Advanced Bunion Treatment

If a bunion becomes large and painful, more advanced treatments may be needed. The podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Clinic may recommend:

• Custom orthotics to alleviate pressure
• Supportive, wider footwear
• Cortisone injections to reduce swelling around the bunion

Surgical Options for Severe Bunions

For severe bunions with significant bone involvement, surgical intervention (bunionectomy) may be necessary. Surgical options include:

• Straightening the big toe and foot alignment
• Fusing toe joints
• Removing swollen tissue around the joint
• Removing portions of the big toe bone

Want To Know More?

To learn more about bunions' prevention and treatment, contact the Foot & Ankle Clinic podiatrists by calling (715) 235-4274 to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, Menomonie, Stanley, Shell Lake, and Cumberland, WI.