subject: 7 Best Ways To Treat Bunions [print this page] 7 Best Ways To Treat Bunions 7 Best Ways To Treat Bunions
A bunion is a common foot problem characterized by an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the joint or your big toe. The big toe tends to turn towards the second toe and the tissues surrounding the joint may be swollen and tender.It commonly affects women because of high heeled shoes. Some studies report that bunions occur nearly 10 times more frequently in women than men. Bunions are common in ballet dancers.Experts are convinced that the Bunions can be mainly caused by poor fitting footwear like tight-fitting shoes, especially high-heel and narrow-toed shoes. They also seem to be hereditary. Genetic factors can predispose a person to develop bunions, especially when they occur in early age. Other factors include rheumatoid arthritis and foot injury.Bunion symptoms could vary from mild to severe. It may include an irritated skin around the bunion, pain when walking, joint redness and pain, and a possible shift of the big toe toward the other toes. Blisters may develop easily around the bunion as well. A small fluid-filled sac called the bursa located adjacent to the joint can also become inflamed leading to additional swelling, redness, and pain commonly known as bursitis.Bunions may be treated in various different ways depending on the stage of development and the severity of the symptoms.Treatment for Bunions can range from mild to severe. These treatments commonly include: - Properly fitting shoes for mild
- Protective padding for toes
- Ice or Cold Compress
- Soaking and rubbing with pumice stone
- Corn plasters
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Surgical removal for severe casesIn milder cases, the simplest remedy would be just properly fitting shoes with a comfortable toe-fit and the use of various orthotics or accommodative padding and shielding such as corn plasters.Cold press may be applied to the affected area to reduce swelling. Proper rest and proper stride can help as well.In severe cases, a podiatrist may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections for pain. Or in more advanced stages, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint, which afterwards would require a 6 to 8 weeks of recovery period.As with any therapeutic regimen, it is best to consult a podiatrist for the appropriate treatment of bunions that can work best for you.
