Concerned about the look and feel of your bunion? Then, seek the help of your podiatrists in Tyler, TX, Dr. James Kent of East Texas Foot & Ankle Centers. They treat scores of people who struggle with this common foot deformity. They will determine treatment options and help you decide if you need surgery.
How bunions form
Bumpy, red and sore, a bunion (Hallux valgus) is a deformity of the bone and joint at the base of the big toe. As the condition progresses, the big toe may turn inward toward the second toe--even crossing it to overlap the second and third toes.
Often thought of as a problem of the senior population, bunions can affect people of all ages. However, tight shoes (women's high heels, for instance), inherited foot structure and overuse also contribute to bunion formation and progression.
Conservative treatment of bunions
At East Texas Foot & Ankle Centers in Tyler, our podiatrists typically use conservative treatment options to halt bunion development and to reduce uncomfortable symptoms. Interventions may include:
- Wearing well-fitting, roomier shoes with good arch supports
- Using shoe inserts to correct gait problems
- Adding moleskin padding to the bunion to reduce friction
- Resting, icing and elevating the affected foot after working or exercising
- Using over the counter ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling
When bunion surgery becomes necessary
Bunion surgery, or bunionectomy, is an important option for people whose pain and inflammation continue to increase despite the conservative management of their conditions. John Hopkins Medicine states that impairment of everyday activities may point to surgery as the best choice to restore proper ambulation, normal foot appearance and a reasonable level of comfort.
Dr. James Kent is an expert in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. If you need a bunionectomy to remove the bony bump and straighten the big toe joint, Dr. Kent offers you a day surgery with:
- Local anesthetic and sedation
- A small incision
- Limited suturing, swelling and pain
- A quicker recovery time than other methods of bunion correction
Find out more
Don't ignore your bunion symptoms. Come to East Texas Foot & Ankle Centers in Tyler, TX, for a friendly and helpful consultation with Dr. Kent. Plus, if you need surgery, trust this podiatrist for the best possible results. Call our office today at (903) 939-3668.