Leading Podiatry Doctors in Virginia Discuss a Common Foot Problem

Dr. Richard Lee and Dr. Steven Lin head up two of Virginia's leading Alexandria Family Podiatry offices in Alexandria and Sterling, VA. Our podiatry offices provide bunion treatment and an attractive array of services for foot and ankle pain patients.

One common problem seen in our office is painful bunions. We are here today to talk about bunions and what you can do to eliminate this problem.

Bunions

A bunion is a bony prominence forming on the outer side of the great toe and sometimes on the outer side of the pinky toe. Occasionally, these bony areas don't cause pain, but they can be extremely painful for some. 

Pain can become excruciating, centered in the bunion and radiating up the side of the foot and ankle and into your leg, causing nerve damage and debilitation. 

Contributing to bunion formation develops from years of wearing the wrong-sized shoes. Genetics may also play a role in your developing bunions.

Treatment Options for Bunions

Alexandria Family Podiatry offices in Alexandria and Sterling, VA, say not to look for your bunion to go away anytime soon because they won't. Bunions tend to worsen over time, so you will need to visit a quality podiatry doctor to devise a treatment plan to help you relieve your painful symptoms. Treatment options are as follows.

• Orthotic shoe inserts
• Topical pain medications
• Anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs
• Purchasing the correct shoe and sock size with a roomy box
• Toe supports like guards, wraps, socks, cushions, splints
• Preventive measures to avoid bunions like wearing the correct size shoes
• Warm foot soaks
• Foot massage
• Ice or heat to the painful area
• Surgical intervention ( the best option)

Do Shoes Make a Difference?

Wearing the correct-sized shoes with a wide box and great overall support for your foot and ankle helps to eliminate constant pressure on your toes, thus avoiding the development of a bunion. 

The material in your shoes makes a difference in supporting your foot, such as soft leather, which is more forgiving to your toes. Other excellent supporting shoes include sandals, athletic shoes, and shoes made to support your heel. 

Quality Family Foot Care in Virginia

If you reside in Alexandria or Sterling, VA, and need podiatry services for foot and ankle pain related to a bunion problem or other foot condition, please call Dr. Lee and Dr. Lin at Alexandria Family Podiatry in Alexandria, VA, and schedule your appointment. Call our Alexandria, VA,  or our Sterling, VA office at (703) 823-2357.

You have a chance to keep your feet healthy and pain-free. We can help you maintain healthy feet and ankles.