What is a Bunion? Information with Treatment

What is a Bunion

Bunions are a progressive disorder. A bunion is an enlargement or bump on the inside of the big toe joint. They usually begin as the big toe moves toward the smaller toes. The enlargement makes the big toe joint stick out further on the side, and forces the big toe to curve in closer to the other toes. Women are affected by this condition mainly due to high-heeled, pointy-toed shoes which cramp the air causing problems to your feet.

The Cause of Bunion

Bunions are one of the most common foot problems. Bunions are most frequently caused by a genetic defect 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. Unsupportive shoes place excessive pressure through the joint causing the bunion deformity. Tight shoes aggravate the condition. Older people and many young people suffer from arthritis problem which is also cause for development of bunion. Wearing high heeled shoes is especially stressful on the joints of the foot. Bunions are also formed to a flatfeet person. Body weight is repeatedly transferred to the hallux while walking, and in flat feet, this transfer of weight allows certain muscles to become stronger than others. This overpowering of muscles causes the toe to bend and deform.

The Common Symptom of Bunion

Some of the most ordinary symptom for bunion is severe pain. Other Symptoms involve redness and swelling, which may be present along the inside margin of the foot. The area becomes red and tender causing inflammation. There is also a burning sensation and occasionally numbness. You can grow other problems like in-growth of toe nail and well as sores between the toes. The patients feet may become too extensive to fit into their normal size shoe and may experience moderate to severe discomfort may occur when the patient is wearing tight shoes.

The Treatment of Bunion include

Bunion treatment varies depending on your foot type, intensity of the deformity, your activities and your symptoms. Pain killers like Ibuprofen are employed as drug for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may aid to alleviate pain. The primary purpose of early treatment is to relieve pressure within the big toe joint and to diminish the progression of joint damage. Applying an ice pack several times a day helps reduce inflammation and pain. Arch supports reduce the rate of the arch flattening & putting excessive force on the joints.

Try easing the pain by massaging your foot in a vertical motion. Compression of heating pads on regular intervals provides great help to your feet. Injections of corticosteroids may be useful in treating the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located in a joint) sometimes seen with bunions. When you start to have joint pain or the bunion condition limits your activities and all conservative options have failed, surgery may be necessary. Joint pain may indicate degeneration of the joint cartilage. One of the goals in surgery is to realign the joint to prevent further loss of joint cartilage. Bunion surgery allows for realignment of the joint.

Postoperative orthoses may be suggested to improve foot function and limit exorbitant forces through the great toe joint. Apply a commercial bunion pad, making sure it is not too stiff or medicated. Orthotics can help slow the progression of the bunion and also treat the associated symptoms. Change over to most properly fitting footwear is part of treatment. Avoid compressing the toes of your foot with narrow, poor-fitting shoes. A Bunion Shield can reduce the pain over the bunion. Apply a moisturizer such as flexitol heel balm twice every day to arduous skin or corns and use a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin.