Bunions
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is a painful enlargement of the joint in the base of the big toe which results from the abnormal shift of the big toe out of place. This causes the big toe to bend towards the smaller toes which produces a painful bump on the inside of the foot. Bunions can be extremely painful. The joint in the big toe can become sore and stiff and eventually making wearing shoes difficult. Bunions are result of abnormal foot mechanics. However, certain types of shoes can contribute to the development of bunions. That is why bunions are more common in women then men. Bunions can often be associated with arthritis. Bunions can also occur on the outside of the foot near the little toe. This is called a "bunionette" or "Tailor's ".
Symptoms
- Large painful bump on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe.
- Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the big toe joint.
- Often painful corns or calluses can be developed near the big toe.
- Restricted or painful motion of the big toe.
- Unable to wear appropriate shoe gear.
What You Can Do For Pain Relief?
- Apply an over the counter non medicated pad around the bony prominence.
- Wear wider shoes.
- Apply ice packs several times a day to reduce swelling.
- Avoid wearing shoes with heels over 2 inches high.
- See us if the pain persists.
Conservative Treatment For Bunion Pain
Treatment options for bunion vary depending on the type of bunion and the severity. If treated in its early stage, surgery can be avoided. That is why it is important to see us at the first pain or discomfort. If bunions are left untreated, they will become larger and more painful, which makes conservative treatment less effective.
The primary goal in conservative treatment of bunions is to relieve pain and to stop the progression of the deformity. Conservative treatments of bunions include all of the following.
- Padding and Strapping to keep the foot in correct position and to reduce pressure and pain.
- Anti inflammatory medications are often prescribed to ease the pain and inflammation.
- Cortisone injection may be given to help reduce the inflammation in the joint.
- Physical therapy is used to reduce pain and inflammation and to keep joints from becoming stiff and rigid.
- Orthotics are often prescribed to help control foot function and prevent worsening of the deformity and symptoms.
Surgical Options
There are several different procedures for correction of a bunion. The surgery can be as simple as removal of the bump to more extensive procedure requiring cutting through bone to align the joint. The surgery will restore normal alignment and relive the pain. If you suffer from bunion deformity, call us today to make an appointment and see what is the best treatment option for you.
Site Design Hosting and Maintenance: Netsmart Systems