One Of The Most Common And Painful Foot Problems - The Bunion
Bunions are one of the most common foot problems
. People all over the world suffer the agony of this painful condition. The good news is, there are things you can do to lessen the pain and discomfort or even remove the problem alltogether.
You don't have to be embarrassed about it, just take care of it the simplest way your particular issue allows. Sometimes just a new pair of shoes or insert/orthotic is all you'll need. More serious cases could require surgery but it's nothing to be afraid of and if it means an end to that painful foot problem than I say it's worth it.
What is a bunion
A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe and can be tender and painful. Another, less common, form of bunion is the tailor's bunion which forms on the exterior base of the pinky toe. Left untreated, bunions can be one of those foot problems that go from nuisance to painful issue quickly. If you are unsure what to look for, talk to your doctor or a podiatrist. You don't want to let a small bump go thinking it will go away, if it is a bunion it will only get worse if you don't do something.
Who gets bunions
Anyone can get a bunion at anytime, however, there is a short list of people more likely to get them than others. This includes women, the elderly, and those with a family history of bunions. An irregular positioning of certain bones causes the bump, or bunion, and is either inherited or occurs over time. Just because you may not fit into one of these categories, don't dismiss a potential problem. No matter you age, gender, or family history, it could be a bunion. If it is, you will want to take action right away so get to your doctor for confirmation one way or the other.
How to know if you have a bunion
There are some specific things you can look for if you think you may have a bunion developing. If you notice a bump on the base of your big toe it could be a bunion if there is pain or redness surrounding it or if blisters or other foot problems develop in the general area.
Any sign that there is something there that wasn't before could mean you have a bunion. Talk to your physician and be proactive. If you feel like there's something wrong, there probably is. Trust your instincts. The good news is there are treatment options available.
Non-surgical treatment options
The first thing you can do is get yourself some comfortable, supportive shoes. This will help relieve stress on the bone and decrease pain. A well-fitting, breathable shoe with good arch support is the best choice.
A good pair of shoes can be worth their weight in gold, especially when it can help prevent your bunion from needing to be surgically removed. There are also over-the-counter inserts and bunion splints available to prevent bunions from getting worse. If these things aren't enough, you may need to consider surgery.
What to expect with bunion surgery
The most common bunion surgery consists of an outpatient procedure where the foot bone is cut in order to shave the bump off. Once this is done the bone is replaced and reattached with screws and or pins.
The recovery times vary but most patients are back on their feet in a month and back to normal, less the painful bunion, within a year. Regular physical therapy is recommended for at least six weeks to help with the healing process. The more you put into it, the sooner you will get out of it.
Bunion can be just an annoyance nuisance or a serious health problem. Be sure to seek medical attention if you are experiencing painful effects from your bunion. The best advice I can offer is to do something immediately upon noticing there's a problem.
If its small take the recommended steps to preventing the bunion from growing. If the pain is too much, talk to your doctor and opt for the surgery. Don't wait too long so that you don't risk irreversible damage to your feet - they are how you stay mobile after all.
by: Oliver Johnson
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