Give Your Bunions the Boot and Heal Your Bunion Pain Today
If you have ever had an uncomfortable, unsightly bunion, you know how uncomfortable they can be. Apart from being distinctly visible, bunions can be a huge pain as well. Bunions are a common foot deformity that many people can have, so don’t worry if you feel insecure about developing one, just about anyone can get a bunion — women, men, seniors and even kids are likely to develop a bunion in their lifetime. The good news is that there are great treatments to prevent and cure bunions through a specialized podiatrist.
So what is a bunion and how are they developed?
A bunion is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe and if left untreated that bump can actually change the bone structure in your foot. The big toe will bend in towards the smaller toes, throwing your toes out of alignment causing pain and protrusion to your toes. In addition to this, the joints in your toes will also become enlarged and inflamed which as a result will cause your skin over the bunion to become red and sore. Bunions usually start out small but they can gradually get worse over time if you leave the sore untreated.
The exact cause isn’t clear on why bunions are developed however, possible bunion causes include genetics, flat feet, abnormal bone structure, standing for long periods of time and arthritis symptoms in feet. Bunions can also be aggravated by tight or too-small shoes that cause your toes to crowd together and put pressure on your big toe.
Symptoms
Bunion pain can range from mild to severe – In addition to the bump, signs, and symptoms of a bunion may include:
• Red and inflamed skin on the side of your big toe
• Your big toe turning toward your other toes
• Thick skin on the underside of your big toe
• Calluses on your second toe
• Foot pain that may be persistent or come and go
• Difficulty moving your big toe
• Difficulty to walk
• Persistent foot pain
• Decreased flexibility in your big toe
• A large lump on or near the joint on your big toe
Treatment
The cause of the bunion will affect what treatment you need, so treatment options vary depending on the severity of your bunion and the amount of pain it causes. The goal of our treatment is focused on two parts, first alleviating pain and pressure and second, to stop the ongoing growth of the bunion.
Non-surgical treatments that will help relieve pain and pressure include:
• Orthotic Shoes: We highly recommend our customized orthotics to help stabilize the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
• Appropriate fitting shoes: Wear shoes designed to hinder the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.
• Padding and taping: Protective padding, usually made from felt, that can reduce stress on the bunion and alleviate bunion pain.
• Medications: Acetaminophen such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can help you control the pain of a bunion. Cortisone injections may also help.
• Applying Ice: Icing your bunion after you have been on your feet for too long or if it becomes inflamed can help relieve soreness and inflammation.
Surgery
If non-surgical treatments don’t provide relief for your symptoms you may need surgery, which is also known as a bunionectomy. A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the bunion and will realign the soft tissue ligaments around the big toe joint. However, surgery isn’t always recommended unless a bunion causes you frequent pain or interferes with your daily activities such as severe pain or difficulty while walking.
Preventing Bunions
If bunion deformities are genetic they can be hard to prevent. However, proper footwear can help reduce the risk of bunions such as utilizing custom orthotics. Through the use of custom orthotics which allows the big toe joint to function properly and more effectively, the development of bunions can be prevented in the first place.
Find The Best Bunion Treatment in Edmonds
Give your bunion the boot and let us help you relieve your bunion pain. At Sound Foot and Ankle in Edmonds, Washington we believe that not all bunions are created equal, so let us help you choose the right treatment so you can put your best foot and toes forward!