Bunions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
A bunion is a painful bony lump that develops on the outside of the big toe and may be brought on by the way you walk or the form of your feet. Long durations of standing and wearing narrow shoes might aggravate bunion pain. You might require surgery if bunion pads, toe spacers, and better-fitting shoes are ineffective (a bunionectomy).
Who Might Get a Bunion ?
Bunions affect up to one in three people in the UK. This foot condition is more prevalent in elderly people, particularly in women. On one or both feet, bunions can develop.
What Causes Bunions?
Your big toe bends inward toward your second toe under pressure from your foot structure or the way you walk (foot mechanics). Slowly over time, bunions develop. Long durations of standing still and wearing uncomfortable, narrow shoes can increase bunion pain, but they don't cause the condition.
What are the bunions' risk factors?
Your risk of developing a bunion may increase if you:
- Family history of bunions caused by hereditary foot structure issues, such as flatfeet.
- foot injuries.
- illnesses that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What Symptoms Indicate Bunions?
A bunion is red and bloated, like a pumpkin. In fact, some sources claim that the Greek word for turnip is where the name bunion originates. Additional signs include:
Having trouble bending your big toe or experiencing discomfort and burning when you do.
- Difficulty wearing regular shoes.
- Calluses or corns (thickened skin).
- Hammertoes (painful, tight toe tendons and joints)
- The big toe is numb.
How are Bunions Detected?
A bunion can be identified by your doctor just by looking at it. X-rays may also be taken to look for bone alignment and joint deterioration.
How do Bunions Become Treated or Managed?
Bunions do not go away easily. Treatment frequently focuses on symptom relief and may include:
- Bunion Pads and Taping: The region can be cushioned and pain is reduced by over-the-counter bunion pads and tape. To maintain the foot in the proper posture, you can also use medical tape.
- Changes in Footwear: Wearing shoes with broad, deep toe boxes helps relieve strain on your toes. You might be able to widen old shoes using stretching equipment.
- Orthotic Devices: Wearing Orthopedic Shoes can help to control alignment issues such as pronation that may be contributing to bunion formation. Another option is to put a spacer between the second digit and the big toe. Some patients find relief by keeping their big toe straight at night by wearing a splint.
- Surgery: Your doctor may advise surgery if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective and walking becomes very painful. A bunionectomy is the medical term for this process. Your doctor cuts off the bunion and realigns the bones to put the big toe back in its proper place.
How do I Avoid Getting a Bunion?
The key to preventing bunions or preventing an existing bunion from getting worse is wearing shoes that fit properly. In general, you have to get footwear with soft soles and a broad toe box. Avoid wearing high heels that press against the front of the foot, as well as shoes that are thin and pointed at the tip.
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