Introduction
Bunions are a common foot problem that affects the big toes. They can cause pain, difficulty walking and standing, and susceptibility to injury. Although some people have bunions for several years without ever realizing it, others discover them when they start having pain from their bunions.
What are bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the inside of your foot at the base of your big toe. It’s an important joint that helps distribute body weight across your foot when you’re walking, running or standing.
Bunions form when bones at the front of your foot move out of place. This usually happens slowly, causing your big toe to move toward the smaller toes and forcing the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. This condition, also known as hallux valgus, can gradually worsen over time and may become painful.
Bunions can be painful; if left untreated, they may become inflamed and infected. In advanced cases where there is severe inflammation with swelling around one or both sides of your foot then surgery may be necessary for treatment
Pediatrists say that bunions are a common problem of the big toe joint. Bunions, or hallux valgus, develop when the big toe points toward the other toes. As this happens, the metatarsal bone next to your big toe starts to stick out and a bump forms on the side of the foot.
Bunions are a common problem of the big toe joint. Bunions, or hallux valgus (pronounced “boon-ee-uhs”), develop when the big toe points toward the other toes. As this happens, the metatarsal bone next to your big toe starts to stick out and a bump forms on the side of your foot.
There are several causes for bunions: abnormal foot mechanics; narrow shoes with little space between your toes; excessive arch height due to flat feet; wearing high heels for long periods of time or otherwise causing stress on these joints when walking upright at work or home
The process can take years to develop, so it’s easy for us to ignore it—until it starts hurting.
Bunions are a common foot problem that can affect people of all ages. The condition is caused by excessive growth of the bones in your big toe, which causes the toes to grow together and form one lumpy bump at or around the base of your big toe (the “bunion”).
Bunions are often genetic, but they can also be caused by abnormal foot mechanics and/or shoes with narrow-toed styles. If you have a bunion on one foot, it's very likely that you have one on both feet!
How do you form bunions?
Bunions are formed from a combination of causes rather than just one factor. The most common causes are genetics, abnormal foot mechanics, and/or shoes with narrow toes.
Genetics and hormones can play a role in the development of bunions as well. If your mother or sister had bunions, then there's a chance you'll develop them too. Some people also have more than one toe that curves inward (bunions).
Bunions might be caused by genetics, abnormal foot mechanics, and/or shoes with narrow toes. Most podiatrists believe that bunions are formed from a combination of causes rather than just one factor.
Bunions might be caused by genetics, abnormal foot mechanics, and/or shoes with narrow toes. Most podiatrists believe that bunions are formed from a combination of causes rather than just one factor.
Bunions occur when the metatarsal bone (the large toe) doesn't fit properly into its socket on your foot. This causes pressure on surrounding nerves, which can be painful and make it difficult to walk normally.
The first step in treating bunions is determining which type you have so you know what treatment methods will work best for your specific condition.
How long do bunions take to heal?
In general, it takes months or years for a bunion to heal. The length of time it takes to heal depends on how long you have had the bunion and how severe your symptoms are.
If you have had a very mild case of bunions, they can take up to six months to resolve completely. If you have been dealing with chronic pain from big toe separation (bunions), then this may take even longer!
The amount of pain that an individual feels in their foot is also important when determining how long it will take for them to heal. For example: if someone only has moderate discomfort every once in awhile but doesn't experience any significant impact on their daily life then there isn't much reason why they need treatment right now - even though this could still be problematic down the road if left untreated over time through secondary causes such as arthritis developing due lack use while healing improperly done procedures."
Many people do not seek treatment until they start having pain, so treatment may take months or even years, depending on how long the person has had a bunion. Treatment may include shoe inserts (orthotics), bunion pads, or changes in shoe selection. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
Treatment for bunions can take months or years, depending on how long the person has had a bunion. Treatment may include shoe inserts (orthotics), bunion pads, or changes in shoe selection. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
How are bunions managed or treated?
Bunions don’t go away. Treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms and may include:
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Bunion pads and taping:
Over-the-counter bunion pads can cushion the area and ease pain. You can also use medical tape to keep the foot in the correct position.
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Footwear changes:
Switching to shoes with wide, deep toe boxes can take pressure off of your toes. You may be able to use a stretching device to widen shoes you already own.
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Orthotic devices:
Over-the-counter or custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) can help to control alignment issues such as pronation that may be contributing to bunion formation. You can also place a spacer between the big toe and second digit. Some people find relief by wearing a splint at night to keep the big toe straight.
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Pain relievers:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both oral and topical can be combined with ice packs help with pain and swelling.
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Physical therapy:
Massage, physical therapy and ultrasound therapy can break up soft-tissue adhesions to reduce pain and inflammation. There are actually exercises that can help improve muscle strength around the bunion and can modestly improve alignment.
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Injections:
Steroid injections may reduce pain and swelling but may also be damaging if used too often or injected into the joint itself. This is often a late treatment of bunions when trying to avoid surgery.
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Surgery:
If nonsurgical treatments don’t help, and walking becomes extremely painful, your provider may recommend surgery. This procedure is called a bunionectomy. Your provider removes the bunion and realigns bones to bring the big toe back into the correct position.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering whether or not your bunions are getting worse, it’s important to take them seriously. This condition can cause pain and swelling, so it’s important to keep an eye on how much time goes by before seeking treatment. If you have a bunion that is causing pain or discomfort, visit your podiatrist right away!
Reference:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14386-bunions-hallux-valgus