Bunions are a common foot problem for many individuals that result from various factors. They may not sound like much of a problem but may lead to severe effects interfering with your daily life activities. Professional medical care is appropriate for diagnosis and treatment.
If you suffer from bunions in Las Vegas, Dr. Granata, a foot and ankle specialist at Battle Born Bone & Joint Center, can help you. Do not let it get out of control; make your call today to schedule your consultation.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a malformation of the big toe, making it project on the side. The condition may be painful, interfering with your walking, among other activities. Bunions can develop in any person but are more common in women.
What are the Symptoms of a Bunion?
Bunions may have the following:
- A protruding bump at the base of your big toe
- Swelling, pain, and redness around the big toe
- Development of calluses or corns on your first and second toe
- Restricted movement in the big toe
Wearing tight shoes, including high heels, may worsen your symptoms and even make the condition severe.
What are the Causes of Bunions?
Bunions commonly occur due to an inherited defective mechanical foot structure. These foot types are usually at risk of developing a bunion. Wearing narrow shoes without enough space for your toes can also lead to bunion formation.
What May be Foot Problems Associated With Bunions?
Bunions may cause other foot conditions, including:
- Hammertoe, which is the abnormal curve of the middle toe joint
- Bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs on your toe joints
- Metatarsalgia is the pain and inflammation at your feet ball
Diagnosis of Bunions
Usually, bunions are visible at the base of your big toe or foot. Your provider takes X-rays to find out the extent of the malformation and check the changes caused.
Bunions keep on growing and may become worse over time. However, the progression of bunions may vary; some develop faster than others. After evaluating your bunion, your provider will come up with a treatment plan to address your needs.
What are the Available Treatments for Bunions?
Bunion treatments aim at alleviating the pain and preventing severe effects. They may include:
- Changing your choice of shoes. Wearing comfortable shoes with enough room for breathing of your toes is essential in treating bunions.
- Wearing pads and special cushions around the bunions
- Applying ice several times to minimize pain
- Avoiding activities that may harm your bunions, such as standing for long periods
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Using orthotic devices
Where the conservative treatments do not bring any relief, your provider may recommend surgery. There are various surgical procedures for treating bunions. They involve removing the bone bump and correcting the changes that may have occurred on your foot bone structure and soft tissues.
Your surgical procedure option depends on the extent of your deformity, your activity level, and your age. Your recovery period will also depend on the procedure performed.
Contact a Bunion Specialist Today
Bunions may progress, leading to more severe changes such as pain, swelling, and little movement. Seeking medical treatment can help treat the condition and prevent further development. Call Battle Born Bone & Joint Center today to book your appointment.
Comments are closed.