Bunions
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a painful bump on the big toe at the base of the joint. This bump forms when the bone or tissue at the joint shifts out of position. The big toe is pushed toward the other toes, resulting in a painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this area of the foot bears a lot of weight while standing and walking, bunions can be extremely painful. If left untreated, the joint may grow sore and stiff, and the pain can worsen.
What Causes a Bunion?
Bunions develop when the natural duress that is exerted on the bones, tendons, and joints of the foot becomes disturbed. This may lead to joint instability and disfigurement. Bunions are brought on by years of irregular movement and pressure on the joint. They are a symptom of incorrect foot growth and are typically produced by the way we walk, shoes, or our genetics.
Parents who experience bunions can transfer their problematical foot type to their offspring, which are then likely to develop bunions in turn. The irregular functioning created by faulty foot development leads to stress on the foot, frequently resulting in bone and joint deformations, including bunions.
Additional conditions that cause bunions are injuries, muscular disorders, or congenital deformities. Flat feet and low arches are known to contribute to bunion formation, as well as arthritis and inflammatory joint disease. Jobs that place excessive strain on the feet can be a part of the problem, along with overly tight shoes.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bunion?
The indications of a bunion include:
• Swelling, a callus or lump on the side of the foot, and the bottom of the big toe
• Reduced or painful movement of the big toe
• Corns and other irritations induced by the overlap of the first and second toes
• The development of hammertoes or calluses beneath the ball of the foot
What Can Be Done For Bunion Relief?
1. Employ a non-medicated bunion pad on the affected area
2. Use a spacer between the big toe and the toe next to it
3. Wear comfortable shoes
4. Avoid high-heeled shoes
5. Apply ice packs to an inflamed and painful bunion throughout the day if possible to decrease swelling
If the pain continues, seek medical attention. Bunions can grow more substantial and painful if left untreated, often requiring surgical treatment as an option.
Bunion Treatment
The main goal of most early treatment options is to alleviate pressure on the bunion and stop the progress of the joint deformity. Some treatment options that may be recommended are:
Shoe Inserts – Proper inserts are valuable in regulating foot function and may lessen symptoms.
Pads and Tape – Padding the bunion lessens pain and enables the patient to live a healthy, active life. Taping helps hold the foot in a natural position, reducing joint stress and discomfort.
Medication – Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections often ease intense pain and inflammation.
Surgery – If the bunion grows beyond the help of the options discussed above, podiatric surgery may become necessary to restore the toe joint. The procedures eliminate the painful bump, restoring the normal alignment of the toe.
Treatment choices differ with the nature and severity of the bunion, and early detection and treatment can help avoid surgery. There is help for bunion sufferers.
WATCH OUR VIDEO
