Back Pain Archive

Q. I have developed bunions, making it impossible to wear most of my shoes without pain. Is there anything I can do to help the problem without undergoing surgery?

A. There are several things that can be done for bunions, which develop when the first metatarsal bone of the foot turns outward and the big toe points inward (toward the other toes), causing the joint to bulge outward. A podiatrist would be able to suggest ways to relieve your pain and prevent your bunions from getting worse. He or she will likely recommend different types of shoes, especially if you've been wearing shoes with pointed toes, high heels, or both. Podiatrists often prescribe custom-fitted padded inserts, known as orthotics, that are worn inside your shoes to help relieve pressure on your bunions. Surgery is usually a last resort, but your podiatrist will also be able to discuss the risks and benefits of different types of bunion surgery.

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Chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath mean you should back off and call your doctor.

The abnormal heart rhythms from atrial fibrillation (afib) can form clots that, in turn, trigger strokes. To prevent that, people with afib take a blood-thinning medication to prevent clotting. But also taking common over-the-counter painkillers can block clotting too much and lead to dangerous bleeding, according to a study in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Danish researchers examined health records of more than 150,000 people with afib. A third of them had also been prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). These common pain relievers interfere with the body's natural clotting function. Paradoxically, some NSAIDs have also been linked to higher risk of thromboembolism, or a clot that forms in the body and travel to the lungs, brain, or elsewhere.