subject: Finding Relief For Your Bunion Pain [print this page] Summary: Bunions can be unattractive, irritating and painful. These bony bumps can grow in size, making it difficult to walk and even wear certain shoes. Continue reading to learn about the symptoms and treatments associated with bunions.
Finding Relief for Your Bunion Pain
A bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue of this joint is misaligned. As a result, the toe is forced to crowd the other toes, causing pain and discomfort. Left untreated, walking and other day to day activities can be extremely painful. In addition to causing pain, a bunion changes the shape of your foot, making it difficult to find shoes that fit properly. Luckily, with the help of your Charlotte podiatrist and simple conservative measures, bunion pain may be managed without surgery.
What Causes Bunions?
Bunions are often caused by the inability of the first or fifth toe joints to function as they normally should. This incorrect foot function may be the result of abnormal foot mechanics or inherited structural defects. Wearing high-heeled shoes or poorly fitting shoes may make the problem worse. Other risk factors include arthritis and being female, as nine out of every 10 bunions occur in women. Your podiatrist can properly diagnose the cause of your bunion and recommend the best treatment to limit progression.
Do you have a Bunion?
Bunions are progressive. Symptoms generally don't appear until the later stages, and some people never have symptoms. The most common signs of a bunion include:
Development of a firm, enlarged bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe.
Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the big toe joint
Burning sensation or numbness
Irritation, corns or calluses caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
Difficult moving your big toe
What Can I Do For Relief?
Treatment for a bunion will vary depending on its severity. The main goal for bunion treatment is to relieve the pressure and pain cause by irritations. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends the following treatment options for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions:
Apply a non-medicated bunion pad.
Wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel.
Apply an ice pack over the bunion when it becomes swollen, red or painful.
Tape up the foot to help keep the toe in position.
Activity modifications, such as avoiding long periods of standing
When conservative treatments fail or the pain persists, a surgical procedure known as a bunionectomy may be recommended to remove the bunion, realign the toe joint and alleviate the pressure. Talk to your podiatrist in Charlotte at the first sign of a bunion in order to discuss treatment options and prevent progression of the deformity.
