Bunion pain doesn't have to keep you off your feet. Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Joel Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk and Dr. Jacob Richey, your Near North, Chicago, IL podiatrists, share information about the condition and discuss treatment options.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

The most obvious bunion symptom is a bump at the base of your big toe. The bump forms when the bones in your foot become misaligned. Other symptoms can include:

• Pain at the base of your big toe
• Burning, redness and inflammation over the bunion
• Numbness in your toes
• Corns and calluses in the area where your big toe overlaps your other toes
• Difficulty moving your toe

How can I reduce bunion pain at home?

Wearing tight shoes or high heels can cause bunions and can also make pain worse. Making the switch to shoes with roomy toe boxes will prevent the sides of your shoes from pressing on your bunions. Protecting your bunion is the key to reducing pain. Bunion pads, sold in the foot care aisle of your local drugstore or discount store, cushion your bunions and reduce friction from your shoes. While you're at the store, pick up some toe spacers. Placing a spacer between your big toe and second toe will decrease corns and calluses.

When pain does flare up, apply ice to your foot and take over-the-counter pain medications that reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen. Long periods of standing and walking can make bunion pain worse and should be avoided as much as possible.

What if I'm still in pain?

Sometimes, buying new shoes and taking pain medication just isn't enough to relieve bunion pain. Luckily, your Near North foot doctor can offer treatments and techniques to decrease pain. Since bunions are caused by a misalignment in the bones of your foot, moving your foot into a better position with splints or tape can be helpful. Your podiatrist will teach you how to use tape or splints to relieve your symptoms. He may also recommend that you wear orthotics, special shoe inserts that are custom made for your foot. If these measures don't help, surgery may be needed to remove excess tissue in your foot and realign the bones.

Does bunion pain keep you from doing the things you enjoy? Call Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Joel Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk and Dr. Jacob Richey, your Near North, Chicago, IL podiatrists, at (773) 202-8800 to schedule an appointment.