Bunions are a very common toe deformity that has a hereditary component but is also exacerbated by tight-fitting shoes. Since bunions tend to develop slowly, many people don’t notice them or choose to ignore them until they become more painful. A bunion can also push your other toes together causing overlapping problems, so be sure to see your foot doctor for treatment.

3 simple, non-invasive bunion treatments include the following: 

1. Properly fitted footwear—You can decrease and prevent friction on your big toe from rubbing on your footwear by choosing wide width shoes. Supportive and comfortable shoes will allow for arch supports to correct pronation problems and provide room for orthotics.
2. Custom orthotic shoe inserts and braces—Custom orthotic shoe inserts and night braces are used to spread the toes apart to prevent pressure, rubbing, and blistering. A bunion brace is worn while sleeping to pull the big toe back into position. Over time, the toe will adopt a straighter profile.
3. Strength and flexibility exercises—A variety of toe and foot stretching and strengthening exercises are employed to maintain some flexibility in the big toe joint. Marble pickup and towel scrunches are two excellent exercises. Simply pick up marbles with your toes and drop in a cup or stand on a towel and slowly scrunch your toes back and forth.

When bunions become more rigid and more painful, bunion surgery may be required to straighten out the toe and shave down the protruding bunion bump.

If you would like help treating bunions or other toe deformities, see your foot doctor for the best care. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.