- Bunions- Big Foot Pain You Can
Relieve
By Dave Wilson
-
- Sometimes a bone spur isn’t
the only bony bump your foot can grow. A bunion is another type
of bony growth that can form on the joint located at the base
of the big toe. Bunions can develop for various reasons, but
the most common cause is related to wearing shoes that are too
small or too tight to the feet. Bunions can also result from
injury or stress of the foot, or from some other medical condition.
|
A bunion occurs when the big
toe joint enlarges and forces the
toe to push against the rest of the toes. The enlargement puts
pressure on the big toe joint and pushes it outward beyond the
limits of your foots natural shape. In addition to the big toe
joint, bunions may also form on the joint of your baby toe which
are known as “bunionettes”. Despite the area where
a bunion may
occur, bunions are quite painful.
If you think you may have a bunion,
here are common signs and
symptoms you can watch for:
• A bulging bump on the
inside joint at the base of the big toe
• Thick skin at the base
of the big toe
• Calluses or corns that resulted from the first and second
toe
overlapping
• Frequent or irregular pain
• Restricted motion of the big toe
Pain that results from a bunion
may be mild or severe, and it
is often difficult for affected individuals to walk in regular
shoes. This is because the area that surrounds the bunion is
also often inflamed and swollen. If left untreated, a bunion
can also affect the other toes and cause the smaller ones to
become claw-like, and calluses may form on the bottom of the
foot. Without proper treatment, bunions can interfere with
normal activities, can become larger, and require surgical
treatment. |
|
The method in which bunions are
treated depend on the severity of the condition, and how early
it is diagnosed. Therefore, as soon as you see signs or symptoms,
visit your doctor so you can be treated and cut your risk of
developing joint deformities.
The following are common treatments:
• Comfortable shoes –
wear shoes that are not only made to fit your feet, but also
provide your toes with plenty of space to move about.
• Pad and tape your foot
– To help minimize pain you can pad a bunion. Your doctor
can recommend pads and even help you tape and pad your foot in
a natural position to help decrease the stress on the bunion
and alleviate pain.
• Medication – Your
doctor may recommend painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy –
whirlpool baths, ultrasound therapy and other forms of physical
therapy can help relieve inflammation and pain of a bunion.
• Orthotics – A padded
shoe insert known as an orthotic can help your foot achieve normal
movement and can reduce the symptoms caused by a bunion. Orthotics
can also prevent a bunion from becoming larger.
Surgery is usually the last treatment
option recommended for bunion sufferers. Although there are
different types of surgeries, the most common is a bunionectomy.
This involves the removing of swollen tissue around the joint
of the big toe; straightening the big toe by removing a portion
of the bone; and permanently connecting the bones of the affected
joint.
If you have a bunion, your best
option is to talk to your doctor about effective treatments,
and avoid further aggravating your bunion by giving your toes
the freedom to move. |
Beauty Secrets of the World
