Podiatry Care: Keeping Your Feet Happy

If you have been noticing some disconcerting changes in one of your feet, you may have a bunion. A bunion is an abnormality that's located at the joint of your big toe. When you have a bunion, it can be painful and affect the mobility of your big toe.  It can rub against the top of your shoe which will bring on more pain and which can lead to skin irritation. If you have a bunion, you should try some of these tips to get relief from the pain and irritation:  

Put ice on the bunion: Ice will help control pain and inflammation. Put the ice in a thin piece of cloth so it's not directly on your skin. You can also soak the tip of your foot in a bowl of icy water. Don't add so much ice that it's hard to keep your foot in.

Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers will also help you to ease the pain of the bunion.

Wear shoes with soft tops: Wearing the softest shoes possible will cut down on the amount of irritation your shoes cause. If you can, you may want to find soft slippers that have hard soles and wear them instead of shoes. You can also opt for flip flops when it's feasible. This way, there won't be any material on the top for the bunion to rub up against.

Change your exercise routine: You don't want to stop exercising because of a bunion, but you should give up exercises that cause more pressure on the affected area of your foot. Swimming is an example of exercise that puts no pressure on your bunion and will help you keep in great shape.

Wear bunion pads: Wearing bunion pads will help protect the bunion by offering it padding and it will offer extra support. There are many types of bunion pads, talk to your podiatrist about which type would be the best for your needs.

Use the electric cart when necessary: Many grocery stores have electric carts you can use when you are shopping. If you are going to be spending a good amount of time in the store then you may want to consider using one of these carts. It's much better to use the cart them get caught in the center of the store in pain.

Following these tips will make it easier for you to deal with your bunions. Get in to see a podiatrist (such as one from Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle) as soon as you can so you can see what treatment options are available to you.