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Bunions

Bunions are a type of foot deformity, and there are many misconceptions on them. There are a lot of people that unnecessarily suffer from bunion pain before getting treatment.

Bunions are:

They are described to be a big bump on the toe side. Bunions can be other than that, a big bump on the side really shows changes in the framework of the bone in the front of the foot. Bunions usually leans the big toe towards the second toe, and not keeping it straight like it should be. This puts the bones not in alignment and produces that big bump.

What Causes a Bunion?
Bunions are caused by a faulty mechanical structure in the foot. Some type of foot structures is more prone to bunions. Wearing shoes that are tight and crowd your toes won’t produce bunions, but it will make the case get worse.

Symptoms

These symptoms happen most often when wearing shoes that cramp or crowd your toes like shoes that have a tight toe area, or even high heels. This is probably why women experience these problems more than men.

When a Bunion occurs, symptoms may include:

  • Soreness and pain
  • Redness and Inflammation
  • Burning sensation
  • Numbness may occur

Some other symptoms that may occur with bunions are toes with sores between them, calluses on big toe, ingrown toenails, and restricted use of the toes.

Diagnosis

Bunions usually are easy to notice- There is a big bump on the side of the big toe. However, to fully diagnose the treatment x-rays may be in order to determine the extent of the deformity that has occurred.

Treatment

Observation is sometimes all that is needed. Periodic office visits and x-ray examinations can also detour bunions from advancing, foremost reducing the chance of irreversible damages to the joints. In some cases, other methods of treatments are needed.
Early treatments are aimed at easing the pain of bunions, but they won’t reverse the deformity itself.
Treating the bunions early only ease the pain of bunions, it won’t reverse it.

These options are: Changing your shoe wear. Having the correct types of shoes is an important thing. Stay away from high heels and pointed shoes and buy shoes that have a wide toe.

  • Activity modifications
  • Padding
  • Orthotic devices
  • Medications
  • Icing
  • Injection therapy
When Is Surgery Needed?

When bunion pain gets in the way of your daily activities, it is time to see Dr. Barrett or Dr. Holets to discuss your surgical options. The doctors will discuss your best option before anything.