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Are you experiencing pain in the big toe area of your foot? If so, you may have a bunion. More than half the women in America have bunions, as they are a common deformity that is often blamed on wearing tight, narrow shoes, and high heels. Bunions may occur in families, but many are formed from wearing tight shoes. Nine out of ten bunions happen to women as they often wear shoes that are too small. Too-tight of shoes can also cause other disabling foot problems like corns, calluses and hammertoes. If your bunion becomes too severe, it may be difficult to walk making it important to seek podiatric attention immediately. What is a Bunion? Also referred to as hallux abducto valgus, a bunion is often characterized by a bump or bony prominence on the side of your big toe. The bunion bump reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of your foot. Your big toe tends to lean toward the second toe, instead of pointing straight ahead. When your toe does this, the bones are out of alignment which produces the bump. A progressive disorder, bunions begin with the simple leaning of the big toe and gradually change the angle of your bones over the years, with the end result of a visible bump. Symptoms will usually appear later in the stages, but some people may never experience any symptoms.
Common symptoms include: * Pain or soreness
* Inflammation and redness
* A burning sensation
* Possible numbness Bunions develop due to prolonged abnormal pressure or motion on your big toe joint, most often caused by inherited defects, poor-fitting shoes, foot injuries, or congenital deformities. Wearing shoes will not necessarily cause bunions, but it sometimes makes the deformity worsen over time. Treating Your Bunion Since bunions are bone deformities, they are unable to resolve themselves. The first goal in bunion treatment is to relieve the pressure and pain that is caused by irritations. Your podiatrist will also recommend treatment options to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Some of the common methods used to treat bunions include, but are not limited to: * The use of protective padding to eliminate the friction against your shoes
* Removal of corns and calluses on your foot
* Changing to properly-fitted footwear designed to accommodate your bunion
* 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 Depending on the size of your bunion, misalignment of the toe and pain you are experiencing, conservative treatments may not be enough to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In some cases surgery may be needed. Bunionectomy is often advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe. Accordingly, your Gramercy, NY podiatrist with properly diagnose and treat your foot ailment. Depending on the condition, your podiatrist will prescribe appropriate treatment to relieve your pain and restore the function back in your foot. Contact your podiatrist in Gramercy, NY for further diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain.
Dr. Scott Melamed, podiatrist in Gramercy, NY, graduated from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2000. He completed his two year surgical residency at DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, MO from 2000-2002. Dr. Melamed, Gramercy, NY podiatrist, is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is board certified in foot surgery.
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