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 also 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.
When early treatments fail or the bunion progresses past
the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may
become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe
joint.
Surgical Options
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.
Your podiatric
physician/surgeon has been trained specifically and
extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners
of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the
intricately related systems and structures of the foot and
lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and
the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints,
ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. |
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.
Bunions– 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."
