subject: Causes And Treatments For Bunions [print this page] One of the most common foot problems that patients have to deal with on a daily basis is the development of bunions. If you are suffering from bunions, you know firsthand how bothersome and painful they can be. A bunion is a bony protuberance on the joint at the base of your big toe that is caused by a misalignment of your big toe joint. Once a bunion becomes apparent, it is important for you to treat it quickly to avoid the bunion getting worse. If left untreated, the bunion can reach the point that surgery is the only way to fully repair your toe.
How Are Bunions Caused?
Bunions occur when the pressure on your feet is unevenly distributed, which causes unnatural pressure on the joints and tendons in your feet. This leads to your big toe joint losing stability and angling your big toe towards the rest of your toes. Here are some of the most common causes of this phenomenon:
*Foot injuries. An injury to your foot can contribute to an uneven distribution of weight and lead to the formation of a bunion.
*Wearing high-heeled shoes. High heels put a large amount of pressure on your toes. This is the main reason why bunions are more common in women then in men.
*Inherited foot type. Some foot types are genetically predisposed to develop bunions based on how your foot fits in your shoe. Make sure to wear shoes that fit you correctly to avoid developing bunions.
Treatment For Bunions
Depending on how severe your bunions are, there are a variety of different options available to you to effectively treat your problem. Here are some of the most common treatments for the symptoms of bunions.
*Change your shoes. The simplest way to eliminate the symptoms of bunions is to change your shoes. Many times, people will wear shoes that are too tight for them and can cause pain. Make sure that your shoes properly fit you if you start to develop a bunion or experience pain.
*Painkilling medicine. Minor pain can be managed with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.
*Shoe inserts. Padded shoe inserts or custom orthotics can help to evenly distribute the weight in your feet to reduce your symptoms and keep your bunion from getting worse.
*Surgery. If your bunion is severe and more conservative options do not work to reduce your symptoms, a surgical option may be the only way to fully rid yourself of your symptoms. There are many different surgical procedures that podiatrists may perform. Most of these include a bunionectomy, a procedure that removes part of your bone and realigns your toe so it becomes straight again. Usually bunion surgery requires a significant amount of recovery time. Because of this, bunion surgery is seen as a last resort and is not recommended unless the bunion is interfering with your day-to-day life.
To learn more about bunion treatment or to schedule an appointment, talk to your Edison podiatrist today.
