Surgery is the right step to remove painful bunions

Q. I have bunions on both feet. Please discuss them.

A. A bunion is bursitis. Inherited genes predispose you to thecondition, which is based on a certain malalignment of the big toe'sbony structure. You can detect the tendency to bunion formation bynoting the way the big toe deviates toward the others.

The bursa involved in a bunion is at the base of the big toe.When it becomes inflamed, pain, redness and swelling occur.Ill-fitted shoes contribute to the entire process.

Surgery to correct the bone's malalignment is the answer tobunions. Short of that, the patient can ease pressure with soft,lace-up leather shoes with wide box toes and judicious padding. Anorthopedic doctor or a podiatrist can evaluate a bunion and point tothe best solution.

Q. Should you close your eyes after you put in eyedrops?

A. Keep your eyelid closed for two minutes after you apply theeyedrops. If you keep it open and blink, you brush away themedication. Keeping it closed retains the medicine and prevents thedrops from draining into the tear ducts.