How To Treat And Avoid Bunions

One of the most common foot concerns that people deal with is the development of "bunions"

. A bunion forms when your great toe moves out of its "straight" alignment inward towards the second toe. This causes an enlargement on the outside of your foot at the great toe joint. If not treated properly, a bunion, which is a slowly progressive enlargement, will become larger and more painful. It is important to take preventative measures to avoid continued bunion formation and potential progression. See your podiatrist today if your foot is developing a bunion or you are experiencing toe pain.

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions occur when the pressure of your weight is distributed unevenly among the joints and tendons in your feet. The causes can be related to hereditary factors and improper shoe gear. If your shoes fit incorrectly, they can put pressure on the outside of your toe and force it to angle towards the inside of your foot. As the bunion progresses, it can begin to rub against the outside of your shoe and cause irritation. If you continue to wear the same shoes, the bunion will only get worse over time. Bunions can also be caused by foot injuries or an inherited foot type that makes it more likely for you to develop bunions. Having a job that requires you to wear ill fitting shoes or to be weight bearing can also contribute to continued bunion enlargement.

Non-surgical treatments

Generally podiatrists will recommend pursuing non-surgical options first to alleviate the symptoms of bunions. The most obvious 1st step is to stop wearing the shoes that contribute to the bunion formation. Instead, you should wear shoes that are comfortable and provide enough space for your toes to move around. In addition to this, many people find that putting extra padding in their shoes can also help to get rid of pain. Your podiatrist will be able to help you with this.

Customized orthotics are the best way to treat symptoms related to bunions. Orthotics will support your foot at the rearfoot and arch; both are key compensation areas leading to continued bunion formation

Bunion Surgery

In more serious cases, your podiatrist [with the aid of digital X-ray imagery] may suggest surgical intervention to treat your bunion concern. There are a variety of surgical procedures to consider based on each individual presentation. By consulting with your podiatrist, you will be able to find the surgical procedure that can best help you. The recovery period depends on the procedure selected. The average recovery period is 5 weeks but some procedures only need two weeks before resuming normal weight bearing.

To learn more about bunions or to schedule an appointment, contact your Wilmette podiatrist today.

by: Gen Wright

POST COMMENT

Invisalign- The Easy, Clear And Effective Way To Straighten Your Teeth Ti 83 Plus Graphing Calculators A Must Have For Engineering And Science Students What Is Seo And How Does It Increase Traffic Towards Your Website? Fabulous Bathroom Interior Design Tips And Ideas Online Nighty For Beautiful Nights And You! Discover How To Begin A Weblog And Earn Money Key Differences Between Google Adwords And Facebook Ads Where To Find The Purest And Safest Methoxetamine? Tricks And Tips For The Best Baby Skin Care Say "i Do" With Legendary Sunset Wedding Package At One And Only Reethi Rah Originate Wedding And Reception Strategies : Suggestions For The Wedding Motif Current Applicability And Consumption Of Cobalt Availability And Demand Actuality Of Uranium In China