7 Most Common Questions About Bunions.
1. What are bunions?
A bunion, also known as ‘hallux valgus’, is a deformity of the big toe. This occurs in which the big toe excessively angles towards the second toe. In turn this leads to a bony lump on the side of the foot. This can also form a large sac of fluid, known as a bursa, which can then become inflamed and sore. Read more to learn about bunions and bunion treatment from Dr. Natalie Domek and Podiatry of Arlington Heights.
2. What causes bunions?
They are most often caused by a defective mechanical structure of the foot, which is genetic, and these certain foot types make a person prone to development of a bunion. Poorly fitting footwear tends to aggravate the problem as tight or narrow footwear can squeeze the forefoot, crowding the toes together and exacerbate the underlying condition, causing pain and deformity of the joint.
Bunions can also be caused by the big toe pushing over on to the second, causing crossover of the toes, which makes it difficult to walk due to pressure on the toes from footwear. Once the big toe leans toward the second toe, the tendons no longer pull the toe in a straight line, so the problem tends to get progressively worse. This condition can also lead to corns and calluses developing.
Bunions can also be caused by age, arthritis or playing sport.
3. Who gets them?
Although anyone can get a bunion, they tend to be more common in women, possibly due to some of the more restrictive footwear typically worn (55% of women in the U.S. suffer from bunions). Women also tend to have looser ligaments. If your parents or grandparents have them, you may also be more prone to developing them.
4. Are they serious?
Some people have large bunions that cause no pain but do cause difficulties with footwear, while others have relatively small bunions that can be very painful. Although some treatments can ease the pain of bunions, only surgery can correct the defect.
In some cases, pressure from the big toe joint can lead to a deformity in the joint of the second toe, pushing it toward the third toe and so on. However, just because you have a bunion, does not mean you’ll get a bursa as well.
5. What are bunion treatments?
Podiatry of Arlington Heights may recommend the following:
Protective Padding
Usually made from felt material, the padding can alleviate the inflammation and skin problems from pressure and friction of the bunion against shoes.
Remove Corns & Calluses
Removing corns and calluses on the foot can also reduce friction and pressure helping shoes fit more appropriately and alleviating some of the pain.
Special Footwear
Footwear designed specifically to accommodate the bunion without contributing to its growth can prevent it from getting worse and can alleviate pain and pressure.
Exercises
Regular exercise of the affected area will help maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
Orthotic Devices
Available both over the counter or custom made from Podiatry of Arlington Heights, orthoses can help to stabilize the affected toe joint and keep the foot in a comfortable position for walking and standing.
Splints
Worn at night, splints can help realign the affected toes and joint. Adolescents suffering from bunions often benefit from this treatment, since their still developing bones are more adaptable.
Surgery
These are all conservative measures, and although they may help relieve symptoms, there is no evidence they can correct the underlying deformity. Podiatry of Arlington Heights will be able to identify any significant deformity and/or defect and may refer you for surgery with Dr. Natalie Domek, which can involve a combination of removing, realigning and pinning of the bone.
Dr. Natalie Domek, also a podiatric surgeon will evaluate the extent of the deformity. She can remove bunions and realign the toe joint in a common operation known as a first metatarsal osteotomy (‘bunionectomy’). There are more than 130 different types of operation that fall under this title, so each individual surgery is different.
The aim of surgery is to address the underlying deformity to prevent recurrence. As with all surgery, there are risks and complications, so it is not usually advised unless your bunions are causing pain – or are starting to deform your other toes.
6. How can I prevent them?
Wearing sensible shoes that fit well is a good preventative measure. If you notice a bump developing where your big toe joins the foot, consider changing footwear. Try to opt for wider shoes that provide your toes with room to move. Remember to keep your heel height to no more than 4cm for maximum comfort. The following also serves as a useful guide:
Wear backless, high-heeled shoes in moderation. Backless shoes force your toes to claw as you walk, straining the muscles if worn over a long period.
Vary your heel heights from day to day, one day wearing low heels and the next day slightly higher heels.
If you want to wear a heel every day, keep heel heights to 4cm or less.
Wearing a shoe with a strap or lace over the instep holds the foot secure and helps stop your foot sliding forward.
Calf stretches to counteract the shortening of the calf can help to keep feet supple.
7. When should I see a podiatrist?
If you experience any foot care issues that do not resolve themselves naturally or through routine foot care within three weeks, it is recommended that you seek the help of a healthcare professional.
Eight ways to treat bunions without surgery!!
- Maintain a normal weight.
2. Protect the bunion with a moleskin or gel-filled pad, which you can buy at Podiatry of Arlington Heights.
3. Use shoe inserts to help position the foot correctly. These can be over-the- counter arch supports or prescription orthotic devices both sold at Podiatry of Arlington Heights.
4. Under a doctor’s guidance, wear a splint at night to hold the toe straight and ease discomfort.
5. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
6. Use warm soaks, ice packs, whirlpool, ultrasound and massage.
7. Buy well-fitting footwear that are wide in the toe area. Shop at a store where the staff measures your foot and can fit you with an appropriate shoe.
8. Some patients are interested in treating their bunions by stretching the feet to realign the toes, or using devices such as toe spacers or bunion splints.
Experiencing foot pain other than bunions near Arlington Heights, IL?
Learn more about other treatments at Podiatry of Arlington Heights: Podiatry Services near Arlington Heights, IL