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Bunion: Causes and Treatments |
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Bunion
A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe points toward the second toe, causing a bulge on the outer side of the foot. Over time, the deformity gets worse and can become painful. Bunions are more common in women than men and often run in families. Treatment options include wearing wider shoes, using pads or other devices to reduce pressure on the bunion, and surgery.
What causes Bunions?
Bunions are most often the result of an inheritable faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It wasn't the actual bunion itself that was inherited but certain foot types that make someone especially prone to developing a bunion. Despite the fact that wearing shoes that crowd the toes won't actually cause a bunion, it may make the problem more severe. Signs may occur sooner in this situation.
Other factors add to the risk of a bunion growth, including:
- Overpronation, which means having a low arch or uneven weight-bearing in the foot and tendon that makes the toe joint unstable
- hypermobility, or having a big toe bone that moves more than usual
- foot injuries
- types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- conditions that affect both the nerves and muscles, such as polio
Bunions usually become worse over time. They can be aggravated by: - Shoes that are tight or small can put your toes together or put pressure on your big toe.
- shoes that have high heels or pointy toes - these styles force your toes together
- standing for long periods of time
- arthritis symptoms in your feet
Symptoms
Symptoms generally occur more often when bare feet are in shoes that crowd toes, such as shoes with a tight toe box or high heels. Consequently, this could suggest that women are likely to experience bunion symptoms more frequently than men. In addition, spending long periods of time on your feet can make bunion symptoms worse. A classic bunion symptom is a lump that appears at the base of the big toe. You might also experience these symptoms at the bottom of the little toe. When the bunion develops, a doctor will diagnose the tailor's bunion or bunionette.
Other symptoms of bunions may include: - pain, soreness, and numbness
- a burning sensation
- swelling at the joint of the affected toe
- increased skin thickness at the base of the affected toe
- hardened skin under the foot
- redness
- bump on the base of the affected toe
- the presence of corns or calluses
- movement restriction within the affected toe
Bunions treatment
Bunions don’t go away. Treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms and may include: - Bunion pads and taping: Nonprescription bunion pads can cushion the foot and ease the pain. You can also use medical tape to hold the foot in the correct position.
- Changes in Footwear: Putting a significant amount of pressure on the toes can be relieved by switching to shoes with wide, deep-toe boxes. Stretching tools may help expand the shoes you're already wearing.
- Orthotic Devices: Orthotics can successfully relieve pain arising from misalignment problems, such as overpronation. If you wear custom-made or over-the-counter shoe inserts, you can add a spacer between the first and second toe to make an arch and prevent bunion formation. Preventing this misalignment may help some people find some relief by wearing a splint at night.
- Pain relievers / Icing: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can be taken orally or put topically can be combined with ice packs to ease pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Manual therapy techniques such as massage therapy, physical therapy, and ultrasound therapy can be used to deliver soft tissue remedies to reduce swelling and pain. There are firm strengthening exercises that may help loosen the binding around the big toe.
- Injections: Steroid injections may be less painful and more effective in the short term than more extensive methods. Used often or injected into the joint, this treatment may be the last resort in the case of bunions in order to avoid surgery.
- Surgery: Your medical provider may recommend surgery if the nonsurgical treatments you've tried haven't relieved your pain, and limb movements become extremely painful. This is a bunionectomy. Your provider will cut out the bunion and realign your bones to bring the big toe back to its proper position.
Bunion Relief ProductsPedifix has an extensive array of bunion treatment products that work to relieve bunion pain. Here at Pro Therapy Supplies, we offer Guards, Shields, and Sleeves, which protect the bunion area, and Gel Toe Spacers, which separate your toes that rub. Find relief from your bunion pain now by visiting our website. Here are some of the items we offer: Pedifix - Arch Bandage - PairWhen you have a throbbing arch, the last thing you want to do is put any weight on it. But finding the right support is essential to healing. The Pedifix Arch Bandage gently lifts and cradles your arch to provide much-needed relief. It's made of soft, breathable fabric with just the right amount of stretch. And it's easy to apply—just wrap it around your foot like a sock. This soft, elastic bandage gently squeezes the arch to provide support and extra stability to sore and tired feet. PediFix Felt Bunion ShieldIf you're looking for an easy and painless way to treat your bunions, you may want to try the PediFix Felt Bunion Shield. The PediFix Felt Bunion Shield is a simple, non-surgical way to treat your bunions and get your life back. Made of soft, comfortable felt, the Bunion Shield protects your bunion from friction and pressure, allowing it to heal. The Shield also realigns your toe to its natural position, immediately relieving pain. PediFix - Visco-GEL Bunion GuardLasting relief from bunion pain. This design can be used in most footwear styles. Soft Gel cushion protects feet from pressure, helping to eliminate bunion pain. Soft Gel is unique, being enriched with vitamin E and mineral oil to soften the skin. PediFix Hallux Valgus SoftSplintA bunion is an unsightly bulge on the side of the big toe, caused by the bone underneath pushing out. Bunions can be painful and make it difficult to find shoes that fit. The PediFix Hallux Valgus SoftSplint is a device that is worn around the big toe to help reduce the pain and size of a bunion. The SoftSplint applies gentle pressure to the big toe, gradually realigning it over time. PediFix - Hallux Valgus DaySplintPediFix Adjustable Hallux Valgus DaySplint Stretches toes to improve function and reduces strain on the joint. Restores the range of motion to joints and muscles and slows the progression of the condition. Durable yet lightweight design contours to the most comfortable shoe sizes.PediFix Forefoot Compression SleeveCompression therapy can help reduce swelling and speed up recovery after an injury or surgical treatment. An elastic sleeve can provide mild compression.PediFix Visco-GEL Bunion Relief SleeveA soft gel pad embeds in the bunion joint to relieve pressure and assist foot comfort. A soothing gel used in the sleeve conforms to the area, soothes inflammation, and protects vulnerable skin when worn. The low-profile design is compatible with most shoes, making it a convenient and pain-free solution for foot comfort.A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe and can be quite painful. There are many products on the market that claim to provide relief from bunions, but do they really work? This article will review some of the most popular bunion relief products and help you decide which one is right for you. You may now check our website Pro Therapy Supplies or call our customer service hotline at 770-441-9808 for assistance.
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