Learn more about this painful foot problem

Regardless of what you wear on them, when your feet hurt, you’re miserable.

Among common foot problems, one stands out: bunions. Dr. Steven Jasonowicz, a podiatrist at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill., says he sees a lot of heel pain or plantar fasciitis. But bunions are right up there on the list of reasons patients seek his help.

“Bunions are one of the most common foot conditions I treat each day,” Dr. Jasonowicz says. “We always emphasize non-operative treatment first, and many patients never require surgery to improve their bunion pain. When, or if, surgery is needed depends on each individual patient’s pain level, age, activity level and overall medical condition.”

Bunions are caused by a deviation of the first metatarsal and the great toe. Symptoms include pain from shoes rubbing and pain at the big toe joint. Bunions occur more often in women than men, and the risk is increased for people who wear tight, poorly fitting or narrow-toed shoes.

Dr. Jasonowicz says non-surgical treatments for bunions include shoe gear changes, orthotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and, occasionally, physical therapy or splinting the joint. Surgery typically involves removing the bunion (the bump on the inside of the foot) and realigning the metatarsal bone. In severe cases, fusion of the great toe joint might be required.

Most surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, Dr. Jasonowicz says.

“Often, the patient is walking in a special boot or shoe the same day,” he adds. “Although most patients notice a significant improvement right away, complete recovery takes months and, sometimes, up to a full year.”

Are you trying to find a doctor? Look here if you live in Illinois. Look here if you live in Wisconsin.