What Is a Bunion?
Idenitifying Bunions in Sugar Land and Spring Grove
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe-the
metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint-that forms when the bone or tissue at
the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward
the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this
joint carries a lot of the body's weight while walking, bunions can
cause extreme pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become
stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible.
A bunion-from the Latin "bunio," meaning enlargement-can also
occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called
a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion.".
Symptoms
- 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 MTP 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 is exerted on the joints
and tendons of the foot becomes disrupted. This can lead to instability
in the joint and cause the deformity. They are brought about by years
of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP joint. They are, therefore,
a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually caused by the way
we walk, and our inherited foot type, our shoes, or other sources.
Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed
down-not the bunion. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics can pass
their problematic foot type on to their children, who in turn are prone
to developing bunions. The abnormal functioning caused by this faulty
foot development can lead to pressure being exerted on and within the
foot, often resulting in bone and joint deformities such as bunions and
hammertoes.
Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or
congenital deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches
are also prone to developing these problems, as are arthritic patients
and those with inflammatory joint disease. Occupations that place undue
stress on the feet are also a factor; ballet dancers, for instance, often
develop the condition.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed together
is also a common factor, one that explains the high prevalence of the
disorder among women.
What Can You Do For Relief?
- Apply a commercial, nonmedicated bunion pad around the bony prominence.
- Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box.
- If your bunion becomes inflamed and painful, apply ice packs several times
a day to reduce swelling.
- Avoid high-heeled shoes over two inches tall.
- See your podiatric physician if pain persists.
Conservative Treatment For Bunion Pain
Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion, although
identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding
surgery. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication
of pain or discomfort because, left untreated, bunions tend to get larger
and more painful, making nonsurgical treatment less of an option.
The primary goal of most early treatment options is to relieve pressure
on the bunion and halt the progression of the joint deformity. A podiatric
physician may recommend these treatments:
- Padding & Taping Often the first step in a treatment plan, padding
the bunion minimizes pain and allows the patient to continue a normal,
active life. Taping helps keep the foot in a normal position, thus reducing
stress and pain.
- Medication Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections are often prescribed
to ease the acute pain and inflammations caused by joint deformities.
- Physical Therapy Often used to provide relief of the inflammation and from
bunion pain. Ultrasound therapy is a popular technique for treating bunions
and their associated soft tissue involvement.
- Orthotics Shoe inserts may be useful in controlling foot function and may
reduce symptoms and prevent worsening of the deformity.
Bunion Surgery
When early treatments fail or the bunion progresses past the threshold
for such options,
bunion surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint. Several
surgical procedures are available to the podiatric physician. The surgery
will remove the bony enlargement, restore the normal alignment of the
toe joint, and relieve pain.
A simple bunionectomy, in which only the bony prominence is removed, may
be used for the less severe deformity. Severe bunions may require a more
involved procedure, which includes cutting the bone and realigning the joint.
Recuperation takes time, and swelling and some discomfort are common for
several weeks following surgery. Pain, however, is easily managed with
medications prescribed by your
podiatric physician.
Bunion Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes that conform to the shape of your foot.
- Wear shoes with a wide and deep toe box.
- Always fit the larger foot and have your feet sized each time you purchase shoes.
- Apply a commercial, nonmedicated bunion pad around the bony prominence.
- If your bunion becomes inflamed and painful, apply ice packs several times
a day to reduce swelling.
- Avoid high-heeled shoes over two inches tall.
- Seek professional podiatric evaluation and assistance with uncomfortable
or noticeable bunions.