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While walking or running do you feel pain in your toes? If so, you may have developed a bunion, which is a very common foot disorder. Bunions are most commonly treated by conservative means, involving such methods as shoe modification, padding and orthotics. If left untreated, bunions can develop into more severe pain and even arthritis. At-home care and prevention can help maintain the overall health of your feet, but it's always best to treat any long-lasting foot problem by visiting a professional podiatrist or foot surgeon in Sycamore. He can advise you on the best treatments for preventing and eliminating bunions. What are Bunions and What are the Causes? Although they may develop on the fifth (little) toe, bunions typically occur at the base of the big toe. Bunions present themselves as an abnormal bony prominence over the big toe joint. Caused by a misalignment of the big toe joint, the big toe generally bends toward the others, growing larger in size. It is common to find the big toe resting under or over the second toe with continued movement. These can become painful and stiff, prohibiting normal mobility and function. Bunions can form for various reasons, including abnormalities in foot function or arthritis, but are most commonly caused by wearing tight and constrictive footwear. Bunions are generally hereditary and can be accelerated and aggravated by tight shoes. Because of this, women are affected by bunions more than men due to the frequent wearing of pointy-toed, high-heeled shoes. Tight, narrow dress shoes with a constrictive toe box can cause the foot to begin to take the shape of the shoe, leading to the formation of a bunion. Relief for your Bunion Pain The best relief from bunions is prevention, and that means giving your feet a break from the heels. If a bunion begins to form, soaking feet in warm water can provide temporary relief in the early stages. To minimize your chances of developing a bunion, do not force your foot into a shoe that doesn't fit. Improper fitting shoes are the leading cause of bunions and foot pain. Choose shoes that conform to the shape of your foot and do not fit too tightly. If you already have a bunion, it is important to wear shoes that have enough room as to not put pressure on the bony projection. When a bunion progresses to the point where walking becomes difficult and conservative treatments aren't effective, you may need surgery. A consultation with your podiatrist will be needed for further diagnosis and proper treatment planning. When conservative measures do not work to relieve your bunion pain, your DeKalb podiatrist may perform surgery with state-of-the-art surgical techniques. If you are exhibiting pain in your feet or notice symptoms of a bunion, contact your DeKalb podiatrist for further consultation. Your podiatrist can treat and suggest ways to alleviate and prevent your pain. Remember, no pain in your feet should go ignored. Your feet take the brunt of everything throughout your busy life, take proper care of them.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Sycamore podiatrists, Dr. Dr. Neil Levin and Dr. Steven Sharlin. Offering services in orthotics, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel pain and an array of other services, these podiatrists in Sycamore are committed to providing patients with the best in quality foot and ankle health care.
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