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Do you experience pain while walking? 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. If 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. Many people may unnecessarily suffer the pain of bunions for years before seeking treatment. Luckily, with the help of your South Texas podiatrist and simple conservative measures, bunion pain may be managed without surgery. What Causes Bunions? Bunions are often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes won't actually cause bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse. Symptoms may therefore appear sooner. Symptoms occurring at the site of the bunion may include: • Pain or soreness
• Inflammation and redness
• A burning sensation
• Possible numbness Symptoms occur most often when the shoes that you are wearing crowd your toes, such as shoes with a tight toe box or high heels. This further proves why women are more likely to have symptoms of bunions than men. Additionally, spending long periods of time on your feet may also increase your risk of bunion pain. What Can I Do For Relief? Early treatments are aimed at easing the pain of bunions, but they won't reverse the deformity itself. 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 Some common methods for reducing your bunion and the pressure involved 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 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 South Texas at the first sign of a bunion in order to discuss treatment options and prevent progression of the deformity.
Dr. Ed Davis is a leading podiatrist in San Antonio. Providing over 25 years of experience and offering an array of foot and ankle care, including heel pain and bunion treatment, Dr. Davis is a qualified podiatrist in San Antonio, Texas to handle any podiatric need.
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