Bunions: What Are They and How to Prevent Them
If you have ever experienced pain, swelling, or redness on the side of your big toe, you may have a bunion. A bunion is a common foot problem that affects millions of people around the world. But what exactly is a bunion, and what can you do to prevent it from getting worse? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and provide some tips on how to take care of your feet.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore.
Bunions can develop gradually over time, due to various factors such as:
• Inherited foot type: Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop bunions due to inherited foot structure problems, such as flat feet or low arches.
• Foot stress or injuries: Repeated pressure or trauma to the big toe joint can cause inflammation and deformity.
• Deformities present at birth: Some babies are born with bunions or other foot abnormalities that can affect the alignment of the toes.
• Inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout can cause inflammation and damage to the joints, including the big toe joint.
Bunions are more common in older adults, especially women, because they tend to wear shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or too pointed. These shoes can squeeze the toes together and aggravate the bunion. However, bunions can also affect younger people, especially if they have any of the risk factors mentioned above.
How to prevent bunions?
The best way to prevent bunions is to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that conform to the shape of your foot and do not cause pressure areas. You should also avoid high heels or shoes with pointed toes that can force your toes into unnatural positions. Here are some tips on how to choose the right shoes for your feet:
• Measure your feet at least once a year, as they can change in size and shape over time.
• Shop for shoes in the afternoon or evening, when your feet are at their largest due to swelling.
• Try on both shoes and walk around in them for a few minutes before buying them. Make sure there is enough room for your toes to wiggle and that there is no rubbing or pinching anywhere.
• Choose shoes with a wide toe box that can accommodate your bunion without causing friction or irritation.
• Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning that can reduce stress on your foot.
• Avoid shoes that are too loose or too tight, as they can cause blisters or corns.
How to treat bunions?
If you already have a bunion, there are some things you can do to relieve pain and discomfort and prevent it from getting worse. Some of these include:
• Applying ice packs or cold compresses over the bunion for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to ease pain and inflammation. However, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies.
• Using non-medicated bunion pads, cushions, or splints that can protect the bunion from rubbing against your shoe and help keep your toe in a normal position.
• Wearing toe spacers, separators, or orthotics that can help align your toes and distribute pressure evenly across your foot.
• Doing gentle exercises and stretches that can improve the flexibility and strength of your toes and foot muscles. You can also massage your foot with oil or lotion to improve blood circulation and relax your foot.
• Seeing a podiatrist (a doctor who specializes in treating foot disorders) or an orthopedic foot specialist who can examine your bunion and recommend the best treatment option for you. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the bunion and restore normal function of your toe joint. Surgery may involve removing excess bone tissue, realigning the bones, repairing damaged ligaments or tendons, or inserting screws or plates to stabilize the joint. Surgery is usually considered as a last resort when other treatments have failed or when the bunion causes severe pain or disability.
Conclusion
Bunions are not just cosmetic problems; they can affect your quality of life and lead to complications such as bursitis, hammertoe, metatarsalgia, or deformity of legs. Therefore, it is important to take care of your feet and prevent bunions from developing or worsening. By wearing proper shoes, using protective devices, and seeking medical attention when needed, you can keep your feet healthy and happy.