Are you experiencing pain in your toes? While walking or running do you feel pain as well? If so, you may have developed a bunion, which is a very common foot disorder. Bunions are most commonly treated by conservative means, involving such methods as shoe modification, padding and orthotics. Often referred to as hallux valgus, bunions are one of the most common forefoot problems. A bunion is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint, which is a bone that protrudes towards the inside of the foot. If left untreated, bunions can develop into more severe pain and even arthritis. What is a Bunion? A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the other toes, causing a painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries a lot of your body's weight, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. Symptoms of a bunion include: Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe. Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the toe joint Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes Restricted or painful motion of the big toe How do you get a Bunion? Bunions form when the normal balance of forces that are exerted on your joints and tendons of the foot are disrupted. This disruption can lead to instability and cause deformity brought on by years of abnormal motion and pressure. As a result, bunions are a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually caused by the way that we walk and our inherited foot type. Even though bunions seem to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down, not the bunion. Parents who suffer from faulty foot mechanics can pass their problematic foot type on to their children, who in turn are prone to developing bunions. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are also more prone to developing bunions, as well as arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint disease. Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause your toes to squeeze together are also a common factor in the development of bunions. This condition is also seen more in women than men because of the instances of wearing high heels. Bring Relief to your Feet Treatment options for bunion relief vary with the type and severity of your bunion. Identifying your deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. You should seek attention from your podiatrist at the first sign of pain or discomfort. If left untreated bunions can get larger and more painful, making non-surgical treatment less of an option for relief. The primary goal of early treatment is to relieve pressure on the bunion and stop the progression of the joint deformity. Your podiatrist may recommend the following treatment methods for your bunion relief: Padding and Taping Medication Physical Therapy Orthotics If you are exhibiting pain in your feet or notice symptoms of a bunion, contact your New York City podiatrist for further consultation. Your podiatrist can treat and suggest ways to alleviate and prevent your pain. Remember, no pain in your feet should go ignored. Your feet take the brunt of everything throughout your busy life, so make it your goal to take proper care of them.
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