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When your feet hurt, your entire body hurts. Bearing the brunt of our daily activities, it's not surprising that our feet often ache at the end of the day. With time, you may even experience problems such as bunions that require professional treatment. Fortunately, by paying your feet extra care and attention, choosing the appropriate footwear, and visiting your New York City podiatrist for treatment, you can prevent foot complications and ensure your feet stay healthy to support your active lifestyle. A common foot deformity, bunions are most commonly relieved with conservative treatment, 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 foot doctor in NYC. He can advise you on the best treatments for preventing and eliminating bunions. What is a Bunion and What are the Causes? Also referred to as hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus, a bunion is a bone deformity that is caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe. The visible bump on your foot is more than just a bump; it reflects changes in the bony framework. Caused by a misalignment of the big toe joint, the big toe generally bends toward the others, growing larger in size. 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. Because of this, women are affected by bunions more than men due to the frequent wearing of pointy-toed, high-heeled shoes. Additionally, bunions can develop from an abnormality in foot function, or arthritis, but is more commonly caused by wearing improper fitting footwear. 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. Treatment for Bunions Treatment will vary greatly depending on the severity of your bunion. Identifying the condition in its early stages is important to avoid surgery, with the main objective of early treatment being to relieve pressure and stop the progression of the deformity. Many times conservative treatments, such as padding, modified footwear or orthotic devices can be highly effective for preventing further growth and reducing the pressure and pain of your bunion. Other conservative measures include: * Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
* Changing to carefully fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute to its growth.
* Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
* Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly.
Depending on the size of the protrusion, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In cases where conservative treatments do not work, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe. If you are exhibiting pain in your feet or notice symptoms of a bunion, contact your NYC 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 NYC foot doctor, Dr. Gary Evans. Dr. Gary Evans has also appeared on Good Morning America to demonstrate laser toenail treatment in New York City using the PinPointe FootLaser. Dr. Evans is qualified to handle any podiatry need for patients of every age, including bunions in NYC.
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