NY Podiatrist Discusses Self-Care of Bunions
You’ve likely seen an array of over-the-counter bunion products. “Bunion correctors and splints may reduce shoe irritation, but these products are unlikely to reduce the actual deformity,” explains Michael Trepal, DPM. “There’s no good research these will routinely correct a bunion. You can get some pain relief with a variety of over-the-counter pain reducing creams or perhaps even one with cannabis compounds,” says Dr. Trepal. Topical cannabis oil or creams may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic abilities, he adds.
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Dr. Michael Trepal |
“Custom-made orthotics, following a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation by a podiatrist, is generally the best route,” says Dr. Trepal. But if you’re not ready to splurge on a custom pair of orthotics, OTC varieties can still help. If self-care doesn’t provide enough relief, or you want to get rid of a bunion for cosmetic reasons, surgery is a possibility. And while surgery is the only way to completely get rid of a bunion, it’s not foolproof. “A bunion can come back, even after it’s removed,” warns Dr. Trepal.
Source: Marcy Lovitch, Woman's World [4/5/24]
