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If you have a bunion, you may experience pain when wearing shoes that are too tight or while walking or running. A bunion is an abnormal, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions form when your big toe pushes up against your other toes, forcing your big toe joint in the opposite direction, away from the normal profile of your foot. Left untreated, walking and other normal daily activities can trigger pain. With the help of your podiatrist and simple conservative measures, bunion pain may be managed and treated without surgery. What Causes a Bunion? Although bunions may develop on the fifth (little) toe, bunions typically occur at the base of the big toe. Often hereditary, bunions 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. The most common cause of bunions is an inherited foot type. Often a family member or sibling may have a bunion. Additionally, bunions may be associated with various types of arthritis, including inflammatory or degenerative forms, causing the protective cartilage that covers your big toe joint to deteriorate. Conservative Relief for Your Feet 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 your feet in warm water can provide temporary relief in the early stages. 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. Non-surgical treatments that may help to relieve your pain and pressure of a bunion often include: * Replacing poor fitting footwear with wearing wide fitting footwear
* Padding and taping to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems. At-home care 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 can advise you on the best treatments for your bunion. Bunion Surgery when Conservative Measures Fail When conservative treatments fail or the pain persists, there are surgical procedures available to correct the bunion. Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. One surgical procedure, known as a bunionectomy, may be recommended to remove the bunion, realign the toe joint and alleviate the pressure. Bunion surgery generally involves an incision in the top or side of the big toe joint and the removal or realignment of soft tissue and bone. The surgery helps to relieve pain and restore normal alignment to the joint. If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact your podiatrist in Memphis, TN for further diagnosis and treatment. Your podiatrist in Memphis will be able to find an appropriate solution for finding relief for your bunion pain, whether it is conservative or through surgery.
Dr. Nathan Lucas of Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis, LLC is a leading Memphis podiatrist. He is a board certified foot surgeon specializing in reconstructive, revisional and cosmetic foot and ankle surgery. Services include the treatment of heel pain, fungal toenails and bunion surgery in Memphis, TN.
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