You might be surprised to hear that managing your bunion symptoms is actually simpler than you might think.

When patients find out that their painful foot problems are due to a bunion, they often start to worry. Will I have it forever? Will it only get worse? Do I need surgery? We understand that any diagnosis can be scary, particularly if you don’t know anything about your condition. That’s why our Fairfax, VA, podiatrist, Dr. Steven Vetter, is here to put your mind at ease with these simple solutions for handling your bunion symptoms when they arise.

If our Fairfax foot doctor was able to catch your condition early on when your bunion isn’t giving you much trouble, this is great news! It will be much easier to make the changes you need now to prevent your condition from getting worse. The first step you need to take is changing your footwear. Yes, we know it can be a real pain to realize that a lot of your favorite everyday shoes could actually be a problem, but isn’t it better to know now rather than deal with severe and chronic pain in the future?

When choosing the right footwear for your bunion you’ll want to look for a few things:

• A shoe with low to no heel (heels will exacerbate your condition)
• Shoes that have a wide toe box (your toes should be able to wiggle and move around freely; they shouldn’t be bunched up)
• Shoes that give your bunion space and don’t rub against it
• Shoes that offer enough arch support and cushioning for the entire foot

If you are at a loss for what shoes will be able to support your foot and prevent your bunion symptoms from flaring up, it’s always a good idea to talk to us (or a shoe specialist) to get recommendations.

In some cases, we may also advise that you wear a bunion pad when putting on shoes. This will provide any additional layer of protection for the bunion so your shoes aren’t rubbing and irritating the area. A splint may also be worn at night to position the toe into the proper alignment. This will be particularly beneficial if you find your bunion is painful or stiff when you first get up in the morning.

In rare cases, surgery is the best way to treat your bunion. This is most likely to be the case for someone who has a severe and large bunion with significant and chronic pain. This pain and discomfort may also greatly affect someone’s daily activities.

Don’t let bunion problems affect how you live your life. If your pain is severe or has been going on for far too long without any relief then it’s time you turned to the foot specialists at Oakton Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA. Book your appointment today!