|
|
 |
 |
Bunions - More Than Just a Bump on the Side of Your Foot
|
A bunion is more than just a bump on the side of the big toe. The visible bump is the result of changes in the skeletal framework of the front part of the foot whereby the big toe leans toward the second toe rather than pointing straight out from the foot. This angling of the toe throws the bones out of alignment, producing the visible bump.
Left untreated, the characteristic bump becomes increasingly prominent as the deformity progresses. Some people, however, can have bunions and never never have symptoms.
Causes
Bunions are most often inherited. A faulty mechanical structure of the foot, passed on through the generations, leads to bone problems. The condition itself is not inherited, but certain foot types that increase the likelihood of developing a bunion can be passed on.
Symptoms
Symptoms occur most often when wearing shoes that crowd the toes. While wearing shoes that crowd the toes does not actually cause bunions, undersized shoes can make the deformity progressively worse. This likely explains why women are more likely to have symptoms than men. Spending long periods of time on your feet can also aggravate symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or soreness
- Inflammation and redness
- Burning sensation
- Numbness
Treatment
Bunions sometimes require little more than medical observation. A periodic office evaluation and x-ray examination can determine if the deformity is advancing. In some cases, however, additional treatment may be necessary.
Early treatments are aimed at relieving pain, but they won't reverse the deformity itself. These options include:
- Changes in shoewear. Wear shoes with a wide toe box and forego those with pointed toes or high heels.
- Padding. Pads placed over the bunion can help minimize pain. Such pads are available from your specialist or at a drug store.
- Activity modification. Avoid activity that causes bunion pain, including standing for long periods of time.
- Medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain.
- Icing. Applying an ice pack several times a day helps reduce inflammation and pain.
- Injection therapy. Although rarely used, injections of corticosteroids may be useful in treating the inflammation sometimes seen with bunions.
- Orthotics. In some cases, custom orthotic devices may be appropriate.
When the pain interferes with daily activities, it may be time to discuss surgical options with your foot and ankle specialist.
Recent advances in surgical techniques have led to a very high success rate in treating bunions.
A variety of surgical procedures remove the "bump" of bone, correcting skeletal structure changes of the foot, and correcting soft tissue related changes. The goal of these corrections is to eliminate your pain.
We Can Help
The podiatrists at Northwest Surgical Specialists are leaders in both conservative and surgical treatment of all foot and ankle disorders. For additional information, please contact one of our three convenient locations to arrange a consultation.
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(View Map)
Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
(View Map)
Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
(View Map)
Foot & Ankle Care