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When walking many people may experience toe discomfort and pain from constant irritation, rubbing and friction against their shoes. This may be the sign of a bunion, which can be unattractive, irritating and painful. 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 Indianapolis podiatrist and simple conservative measures, bunion pain may be managed without surgery. What is a Bunion? A bunion is a bone deformity that is caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe. Also referred to as hallux valgus, or hallux abducto valgus, a bunion is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe, but it is more than just a bump. When you start to notice a visible bump on the side of your big toe, it is the reflection of changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead which throws the bones out of alignment, producing the bunion's bump. Being a progressive disorder, bunions begin with a leaning of the big toe, which gradually changes the angle of the bones over the years and slowly produces the bunion bump. Over time the bump will become increasingly prominent. Symptoms typically appear at later stages, but there are instances in which some people never exhibit symptoms at all. What Causes a Bunion? 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. How Can I Find 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. 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 Indianapolis at the first sign of a bunion in order to discuss treatment options and prevent progression of the deformity.
Drs. Jeffrey Agricola and Anthony Miller of Prestige Podiatry are experienced podiatrists in Indianapolis, Carmel and Greenwood. Offering a full array of treatments, including heel pain and bunions patients turn to Prestige Podiatry, Indianapolis podiatrist, for all of their foot and ankle problems.
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