Ouch! You've been on your feet all day, and that bunion on your right foot aches. In fact, it seems to worsen as time goes by. What should you do? At San Antonio Foot and Ankle Center in San Antonio, TX, your podiatrist, Dr. Caroline Gaynor Elko, identifies bunions and creates treatment plans to control pain and limit deformity.

Why do you have a bunion?

Located at the big toe joint on the inner aspect of the foot, this bony, sore bump appears with age, activity and yes, shoes that are just too tight. Some research shows a hereditary component to bunions as well, says the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Besides looking and feeling sore, bunions often develop sizable corns and calluses. Some patients report a feeling of numbness, and unfortunately, the affected big toe may actually cross over the second and even third toes.

Treating Bunions

Some people suffer such severe symptoms they require a surgery called a bunionectomy. This procedure removes the bony prominence from the side of the foot and re-aligns the big toe. Your San Antonio, TX, podiatrist may advise surgery if she feels the bunion severely impacts your mobility and quality of life due to pain.

Most individuals, however, do well with less invasive treatments which may include:

• Shoe padding (moleskin or gel pads) to reduce friction
• Corn and callus removal (performed at San Antonio Foot and Ankle Center)
• Bunion splints and toe separators
• Cortisone injections
• Avoiding tight, narrow, high-heeled shoes (soles should absorb impact and flex easily)
• Custom orthotics, or inserts which fit inside shoes and correct how feet are placed on the ground
• Keeping body weight within a normal range

Your best feet

At San Antonio Foot and Ankle Center in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Gaynor Elko and her staff specialize in comprehensive podiatric care. Whether you're very young, getting along in years or somewhere in between, your feet and ankles are their focus. If you wish to pursue treatment for that bunion or have other concerns, please call (210) 664-4700 to schedule an appointment! We open at 8 am Monday through Friday.