Category: Bunions

A bunion, usually a bony bump, that forms on the joint of the big toe. It means that some bones at the front of the foot have moved out of place, causing the big toe to pull towards the smaller toes, forcing the joint to stick out. The area around the joint is red and sore. The most obvious symptom of a bunion is a bulging lump at the joint of the toe. Avoid bunion surgery by seeking solutions immediately you notice bunion symptoms.

Causes of bunions

The exact cause of bunions is not known, but other likely reasons are

1. Foot deformities at birth.
2. Inherited foot type.
3. Foot injuries and stresses.
4. Some bunions have been linked to inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Tight or too-narrow shoes or high-heeled shoes cause bunions though some experts disagree with this.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing bunions are:

• Wearing high heels is believed to be the number one risk factor. High heels force the toes to the front of the shoes causing the toes to cramp.
• Wearing too narrow or tight shoes, likely pointed, cause bunions due to pressure on the toes cramped together.
• The tendency to develop bunions might be a result of inherited anatomy or structure of the foot.
• If you have an underlying condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, it likely favors the development of bunions.
• Adolescents, especially girls, are likely to get bunions. It is not known why, but doctors suspect the constant need to change footwear around this age as a contributing factor. However, bunions in adolescents and young people have not been linked to any underlying health condition.
• Bunionette forms at the little toe's joint, often known as a tailor's bunion, is caused by the pressure put on the side of the foot. It often happens due to sitting cross-legged for long hours, putting pressure on the side of the foot leading to bunions near the pinky toes.

Unless you seek bunion treatment Houston, bunions are permanent. However, several measures will make you comfortable and slow bunion progression. Some measures include

1. Maintain a healthy weight that does not put pressure on your feet.
2. Buy the gel-filled pad or moleskin from a drugstore for the protection of the bunion. You need to test the moleskin for a short time to determine if it helps ease pressure and pain.
3. Buy over-the-counter arch supports or shoe inserts that will position the foot correctly.
4. Following your podiatrist's guidance, use a splint at night to ease the discomfort and hold the toe straight.
5. Take pain killers that are anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.
6. Use massage, warm soaks, and icepacks regularly. If you have circulation problems, consult the foot doctor before using an icepack.
7. Buy proper fitting shoes with a wide toe box with room for your toes. The heels of the shoes should be lower than two inches.

Immediately you notice changes in the structure of the toe or foot, visit a bunion doctor to avoid complications such as stiff toe, chronic toe pain, and foot/toe deformity.

Over at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center  located in Houston, Texas, and covering surrounding areas like Cypress, and Katy, TX. Ejodamen Shobowale, DPM and her highly skilled staff provide personalized comprehensive care for all your podiatry and sport medicine needs. Whether the issue is foot-related like hammertoes, or toenail fungus or involves pain in the heel , nerves, or joints, Dr. Sho, as she is fondly called, can get you back on your feet in no time.

Also referred to as Hallux valgus, it is a painful bump which is bony and it develops in the big toe joint inside the foot. Besides, one can suffer from a tailor's bunion which forms alongside the fifth metatarsal alongside the little toe. The development is slow, gradually changing the structure of the bones and the pressure causes the toes to lean towards each other.

Who's prone to the development of a bunion?

Greater prevalence is in women because of the belief that they wear narrow, tight shoes that squeeze the toes, which favors the development of a bunion. The problem can be exacerbated because the body's weight is pushed forward and the toes are forced in front. However, narrow shoes are not the underlying cause of developing bunions.

They also run in families, especially among people with flat feet, low arches, tendons, and loose joints are more prone to bunions.

The shape of the top of the first metatarsal bone is also a determinant because if it is too round it is more likely to deform upon squeezing.

Some occupations require lots of standing, dancing, and walking such as nursing, ballet dancing, and teaching. People in these occupations are more susceptible to bunions.

Pregnant women are more likely to develop bunions because hormonal changes cause the feet to flatten and ligaments loosen.

Arthritis patients are at a higher risk of developing bunions because it damages the cartilages within joints.

If you are looking for some expert advice on bunions, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet

BUNION CORRECTOR INTERVENTIONS

Conservative method bunion treatment

Relieve pressure off the foot bunion by wearing the right shoes that are wide with enough room for toe movement. Good shoe choices include shoes made from soft leather, sandals, and athletic shoes.

Wear low heeled shoes not higher than an inch.

Protect the bunion with a gel-filled pad or moleskin; they are readily available at drugstores. Have spacious shoes to accommodate the pads.

Wear shoe inserts (semisoft orthoses) that will correctly position the feet.

Wearing a splint at night eases discomfort and holds the toe straight.

Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warm soaks, and ice packs to relieve pain. Cortisone injection temporarily reduces inflammation.

Massage, ultrasound, and whirlpool may provide relief.

Bunion surgery

Bunions can be removed via a surgical procedure to correct the deformed area; the procedure is known as a bunionectomy.  There are different types of removal procedures which will remove the bunion and realign the big toe. A specialist determines the kind of procedure that should be done depending on how it developed and the size.

You are eligible for surgery if

• Bunion pain restricts you from accomplishing daily activities.
• If you can't walk a few blocks without foot pain.
• Even after medication and rest, the big toe remains swollen and painful.
• If you cannot bend or straighten the big toe.

There are three main procedures a surgeon performs

• Osteotomy where the big toe joint is cut to realign in a normal position.
• Exostectomy where the bunion is removed without doing an alignment.
• Arthrodesis where the surgeon replacing the damaged joint metal plates and screws in a bid to correct the deformity.

After a bunion removal, full recovery can take at least four months.

Keep track of the shape of the feet as they develop. Exercise the feet by picking small objects with your toes to strengthen them. Avoid high heels and wear shoes that fit properly without cramping your toes together. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. Our Cypress office can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all bunion related issues.

Bunions are large bony bumps at the base of the big toe. Medically known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a misalignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint, or big toe joint. The misalignment will generally worsen with time if left untreated.

The exact cause of bunions is unknown, with genetics seen as a potential cause. High heels and poorly-fitted footwear, rheumatoid arthritis, and heredity all seem to be potential factors behind the exacerbation of bunions. Women have been found to be more likely to develop bunions in comparison to men.

Bunions do not always produce symptoms. The best way to tell is if the big toe is pushing up against the next toe and there is a large protrusion at the base of the big toe. You may or may not feel pain. Redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe may be present as well.

Podiatrists use a variety of methods to diagnose bunions. If there are symptoms present, podiatrists will first consider that it is a bunion. If not, a physical examination will be conducted to check function of the big toe. Finally, an X-ray may be taken to view the extent of the bunion and confirm it is a bunion.

Typically, nonsurgical methods are used to treat bunions, unless the bunion has become too misaligned. Orthotics, icing and resting the foot, roomier and better fitted shoes, taping the foot, and pain medication are usually utilized first. If the bunion doesn't go away or causes extreme pain, surgery may be required. Surgeons will either remove part of the swollen tissue or bone to straighten the toe out.

If you have a bunion, it is recommended to see a podiatrist. The longer it is left untreated, the worse it may get. Podiatrists can properly diagnose and treat a bunion before it gets worse.