Foot Care Relief

A bunion is a common foot deformity which is caused by an enlargement of the joint connecting the metatarsal of the foot to the first phalange of the big toe. This deformity can be extremely painful. If this problem is not taken care of, the whole foot could suffer. Commonly a bunion involves swelling which creates a large bump on the bone.

The bunion will worsen over time, and may create a stiff joint or even arthritis. Walking can also become difficult because posture will deteriorate. Inflammation and swelling of the bursa, a watery sac in the joint, leads to a painful condition called bursitis.

Bunions can be prevented by not wearing shoes that cause unnatural stress to the big toe, especially from wearing tight shoes. Women who wear high heeled dress shoes frequently have an increased risk of developing bunions in later life. Bunions can also be linked to hereditary. Being on your feet for long amounts of time everyday can also increase your chances of getting a bunion.

Untreated bunions can lead to other conditions such as hammertoes, as the big toe pushes against the lesser toes. Corns and calluses often form on the feet at pressure points as a result of shifted weight distribution.

Bunion treatment is commonly non-invasive, as long as treatment is begun early. Changing shoes to those with wide flexible uppers and support for the foot helps to ease the problem.

First your doctor will assist you in getting rid of the inflammation. If the bunions are severe, you doctor will prescribe medication, although over the counter pain relief is often sufficient.

Bunion treatment that aids to put the bones of the foot back in place is usually done at night. The bones attempt to straighten with the use of splints.

Bunion shields may be used to care for the bunion during day time hours, and prevent accidental damage, and are helpful to use with bunion pads.
Lightly exercising the area is also helpful to keep the movement of the joints and muscles to a maximum and to facilitate healing. A physician will be able to advise you of specific exercises to help.

Typically surgery is not needed to improve symptoms and have healthy feet again. In critical cases however, the bones must be realigned with surgery. Since it isn’t always effective, surgery is used as the final option in cases that have not been helped in any other way.

For additional information on treatment for bunions, please visit bunion surgery recovery.

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