subject: How To Prevent And Treat Bunions [print this page] Are you experiencing pain in your big toe area when you wear your shoes? It might not just be normal foot pain. You may be suffering from a condition known as bunions and you are not alone. Some estimate that bunions have affected up to 33 percent of the population in Western countries. Depending on the severity of the bunion, there are a variety of potential treatments and outcomes that are possible. It is important to consult with your Chicago podiatrist to learn what the best course of treatment for you is.
What Are Bunions And How Are They Caused?
Bunions are bone deformities caused by the enlargement of the joint at the base and side of your big toe. They are formed when the big toe moves out of place and points towards your second toe. This causes a bump on the outside edge of your toe. If left untreated, the bunion will continue to grow and become more and more problematic. As it grows, it will cause more irritation as it rubs against the inside of your shoe. Many times a bunion will lead to other serious problems like hammertoe or arthritis.
The main cause of bunions is wearing shoes that are too tight. Doing this over a prolonged period can put enough stress on your feet to cause you to develop a bunion. Bunions are not a hereditary problem, but can be common in families due to a faulty foot structure that can be present within a family.
How Are Bunions Treated?
The most practical and common sense treatment for bunions is to stop wearing the shoes that are irritating your foot and causing the bunions. The longer you continue to wear the shoes, the worse your bunion will become. If you discontinue wearing the shoes at an early stage, you might not need to undergo any further treatment. By wearing shoes that do not constrict your feet, you may be able to walk or run without any pain. But if your bunions have progressed to a more severe stage, there are a few measures you can take to alleviate pain. Many patients wear protective padding in their shoes to get rid of the friction between their toes and their shoes. At night, you can wear a spacer in between your big toe and your second toe to help align your toes correctly.
If these minor solutions do not work, you may have to resort to a surgical option. There are more than 100 bunion operations that podiatrists can perform. They all have the same goal of removing the bunion and aligning the toe correctly. Most surgeries are successful in alleviating pain, but do require a recovery period in which a patient cannot use their foot. If you have more questions about bunions, contact your Chicago podiatrist today.
