Bunions are protruding bulges on your toe that usually occur at the joint due to pressure on the toes. The Woodlands bunions typically occur on the big toe and happen due to the big toe being pushed inwards, pushing the joint outwards. Contact your doctor for evaluation and treatment if you suspect developing a bunion.
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Causes of bunions
Bunions are not hereditary but can be acquired through lifestyle choices or medical conditions. However, they are common in people who are born with foot deformities. The shape of your foot can make you more likely to get a bunion in the future.
The following are common causes of bunions:
Wearing tight shoes
Wearing tight and narrow shoes can exert a lot of pressure on your toes. Narrow shoes do not provide enough room for all your toes. The big toe will end up bending inward toward the other toes, and that movement pushes out the joint. Although you might feel slight discomfort, your joint will be inflamed and painful with time.
Faulty foot structure
A faulty foot structure might make you susceptible to bunions. People with flat feet and low arches are likely to get bunions, especially if they wear the wrong footwear. But, if you have flat feet or low arches, you can minimize your risk of getting the condition by taking care of your feet appropriately.
Certain medical conditions
Health conditions like arthritis can elevate the risk of getting bunions. The reason is arthritis leads to the erosion and inflammation of your joints. Since your joints become weak, they can easily shift in an undesired position causing bunions.
Symptoms
The following are symptoms you might experience if you have bunions.
- Limited toe movement
- Pain and tenderness
- Calluses or corns
- Inflammation and redness
- Burning sensation or numbness
Treatment options
Your specialist might recommend a treatment plan depending on your symptoms and their causes. If you have bunions due to arthritis, they might recommend medication, physical therapy, and proper footwear. They will always start with non-surgical treatment options like padding and orthotics to ease discomfort.
However, if non-surgical methods are ineffective, your specialist might turn to surgery. Due to today’s advanced technology, your doctor can recommend minimally invasive techniques to help you recover quickly. Good examples of these procedures include miniBunion and dynaBunion procedures.
Preventive measures
Since bunions are absent at birth, you can change your lifestyle to avoid getting them. The measures you take revolve around lifestyle choices and footwear. You can use the following preventive measures to avoid getting them:
- Wear shoes of the right fit and avoid narrow shoes
- Avoid wearing high heels for long hours
- Exercise and stretch your feet regularly, especially if you have flat feet or low arches
- Regularly check your feet for any changes
- Rest your feet and consider elevating them after a long day
If you have painful bunions that limit your daily movement, visit Foot & Ankle Specialists for treatment. You will receive personalized treatment after a thorough evaluation of your feet. Call or book an appointment online today.