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Bunions can appear red and swollen and can sometimes cause pain. The amount of pain often depends on the type of shoes being worn, the amount and type of activity a person does and how excessive the big toe is pointing towards the second toe. Thick, hard skin (callus) or corns may appear over the bunion due to extreme pressure from footwear. It may also be difficult to find wide enough footwear to accommodate the enlarged joint.
Typically the tighter the shoe, the more bunion pain you will experience. This is probably why most ladies have more pain than men. Also, bunions can become very irritated if you have a job where you stand most of the day.
Of all the things that can cause bunions, ths problem is in most cases hereditary. Chances are if you have a bunion, it's likely that your parents or grandparents will also have had one at some point in time. This inherited faulty architecture is unlucky, but don’t worry, we have the treatment.
Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down—not the bunion. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics can pass their problematic foot type on to their children, who in turn are prone to developing bunions.
Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or congenital deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are also prone to developing these problems, as are arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint disease. Occupations that place undue stress on the feet are also a factor; ballet dancers, for instance, often develop the condition.
In addition to genetics, you can also force yourself to have a bunion. You’re probably thinking, “How in the world can I make myself have a bunion?” Well, it’s pretty easy if you are not careful. Pointed-toed shoes are a big cause of bunions. It doesn’t have to be only high-heeled shoes. Most people find out that if they just find some wider shoes, their bunion pain disappears. It’s like magic!
If you have a bunion, then our podiatrist's assessment at Footfix in Birmingham is necessary. Often, podiatrists can manage bunions conservatively, though some may require a referral for surgical correction.
Over time, bunions usually increase in size and become more painful. It is difficult to predict how fast this will occur. Certain types of activity should be reviewed, and an alternative form of exercise may be beneficial. High-heeled and/or poorly fitting footwear should also be avoided, which can exacerbate symptoms.
There is a danger that the smaller toes may be affected as a result of a bunion due to the misalignment of the big toe joint. The little toes often change shape or start to overlap. A fluid-filled sac called a bursa might also develop under the skin over the bunion, which can be very painful. Early conservative management with podiatry can help slow the progression of the condition, though surgery may be the preferred option to resolve the problem.
Mild to moderate bunions that are left untreated are likely to get progressively worse. By identifying any functional muscular imbalance or other biomechanical abnormality (such as excessive pronation or flexible flatfoot) at an early stage, it’s possible to slow down or even arrest the progression of this potentially painful condition. Therefore, we may advise a biomechanical assessment and functional shoe inserts called orthotics.
At Footfix, we usually also take X-rays to examine the bunion. We measure all the angles and can mathematically calculate which stage the bunion is in. Our podiatry team will then provide advice about suitable footwear.
Injection therapy may be used to calm the inflamed joints down.
By periodically having any callus or corn on the surface of the bunion trimmed (and probably padded), you may be able to keep any discomfort it has caused at bay.
Note: This is not something to try with your handy razor blade at home. This type of “bathroom surgery” is likely to be ineffective at best and may even cause a severe infection. And before you run off to your local chemist for a “corn plaster,” keep in mind that these typically contain an acid. This caustic chemical has no intelligence—it cannot distinguish normal from abnormal skin. Once again, serious ulceration and/or infection may occur. Silicone gel appliances can be provided to cushion and protect the bunion.
If these conservative treatments provide an inadequate level of relief, a surgical referral can be completed by your podiatrist to a private foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon.
90% of people make themselves suffer for years before seeking any treatment for them. Why suffer when you can get them treated now! Call us to book an appointment.
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