DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a bunion on the edge of my right foot at the base of my little toe. It is sore and is about 4 years old.
The foot doctor has cut part of my shoe away at the edge so the bunion does not rub up against the edge of the shoe. Before I bandage it, I put antibiotic ointment or Neosporin Pain Relief ointment on it, but neither seems to help the pain. Do you have any suggestions I could follow to relieve the pain and not have to wear this funny-looking shoe?
DEAR READER: Bunions form at the base of the big or little toe. The cause for yours to form may have been from wearing high-heeled, narrow-toed or poorly fitting shoes. Considering that you have had it for four years, we might consider options to include a modification of your footwear to sandals or something wider, supports, rest, bunion splint, an OTC pain reliever or bunionectomy to realign the toe.
If your quality of life is affected, speak with your doctor as to what he or she believes is the appropriate next step.