Bunions Causes & Treatment
Are you experiencing pain or swelling at the outer side of the base of the big toe? Then you might be suffering from a foot condition called a bunion. Signs and symptoms of a bunion includes thickening and swelling at the joints of the big toe. This in turn forces it to move towards the other toes. A protuberance can also be seen on the inner side of the foot.
The swelling and pain at the joint is caused by inflammation of the fluid filled sac called the bursa which is responsible for lubricating the joint. Bunions often develop because of tight fitting shoes by people suffering from flat feet. To understand bunions better, a visit to a podiatrist is advised Dr. Howard Schultheiss is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with Bunions and other types of foot conditions.
It is a progressive deformity that is more common in women who love to wear high heeled and tight shoes. People with certain foot types like flat foot are also more likely to suffering from a bunion too.
Bunions can occur especially when wearing shoes that are too tight or frequently using high heels. Other symptoms are as follows:
- If you have a bulging bump at the base of your big toe
- Soreness around the joint of your big toe
- The skin at the base of your big toe begins to thicken
- Corns and calluses
- Persistent pain
To evaluate the condition, a podiatrist may perform x-rays to determine the deformity and to assess the changes that occurred. It is also used to determine if you have underlying arthritis or gout. Once you are examined the podiatrist will come out with a treatment plan that is best for you.
Home remedies are readily available to help people treat bunions even at the comfort of their own homes. These home remedies include:
- Rest
- Wearing loose sandals that will help relieve the irritation and soreness
- Anti-inflammatory medicines can ease the inflammation and pain
- Pain that is not too severe can be relieved by the application of heat
The condition may eventually be cured by doing foot exercises recommended by a physician, who will also help in the choice of correct footwear.
If home treatments fail to provide pain relief, then it is time to discuss surgical options. This procedure will remove the bump on your big toe and reduce the pain. A bunion that causes acute pain and difficulty in walking can be treated by a simple surgical procedure. Surgery is not always necessary though.
At Harford Lower Extremities Specialists, we specialize in helping people suffering from bunions. To schedule an appointment call (410) 836-0131.
