subject: Watch Out For That Painful Bunion Bump! [print this page] Many people will develop a bunion at some point in their life. Often caused by ill-fitting shoes or uneven pressures from walking or running, this foot problem can cause your feet to look unsightly, or even worse, produce pain and discomfort. Although bunions are a common foot deformity, there are often misconceptions about them. Many people may even go about their lives not realizing they have a bunion because it does not initially cause pain. Bunions are a progressive disorder in which the bump becomes increasingly prominent. Symptoms usually appear at later stages, but some people may not exhibit any.
Understanding Bunions
Bunions are typically more serious than corns or calluses, and usually appear as a bony prominence over the big toe joint. This can cause the big toe to bend towards the other toes, throwing the bones in your feet out of alignment, which causes pain, inflammation and redness. Bunions can form for various reasons, but typically develop as a result of poor fitting footwear, such as narrow-toed shoes or high-heels. Individuals with flat feet or have a history of bunions in their family are also more prone to bunions.
Your joint carries a lot of weight while walking, which causes the bunions to be extremely painful if left untreated. The metatarsophalangeal joint, which is where the bunion forms, may become stiff and sore. This can make wearing shoes difficult as well. Some symptoms of bunions include:
*Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot
*Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the MTP joint
*Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
*Restricted or painful motion of the big toe
Treating Your Bunion
Start by ditching any tight fitting shoes to reduce pressure on the bunion. Because bunions tend to be more serious and painful, it's often advisable to see a podiatrist for proper examination of the severity of your bunion. Your podiatrist will recommend the best treatment to reduce the pain and size of your bunion. Ice, padding, physical therapy and foot orthotics are common treatment options available to heal bunions. And, if these conservative approaches aren't working, surgery could be a viable option to correct your foot's alignment and remove the bunion.
Since bunions are bone deformities, they cannot be resolved on their own. The first goal of bunion treatment is to relieve pressure and pain that is caused by irritations, while the second is to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Some common methods used for treating your bunion and reducing pressure include:
*The use of protective padding to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
*Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
*Changing to carefully fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.
*Orthotic devices to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
*Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
*Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly.
When early treatments fail, or your bunion begins to worsen over time, a consultation with your Indianapolis podiatrist will be needed. Depending on the size of the enlargement and pain, your podiatrist may recommend surgery.
It is important to not ignore foot pain, as it can worsen over time and prevent you from living your day-to-day life. Protect your feet and seek treatment immediately from your podiatrist in Charlottesville, VA.
