What are bunions?
A bunion is a condition of the foot occurring at the base of the big toe. Bunions affect the bones of the foot specifically the joint of the big toe. The condition causes an enlargement of the tissues surrounding the joint resulting in a bump on the side of the toe.
Bunions are a progressive disorder and lead to an inward shift in the alignment of the big toe. This causes a restriction in making movements like jogging, running or turning around.
The Symptoms
In the initial stages the symptoms are often absent. As the angle of the bones gradually changes, the individual might experience pain while walking.
Blisters too can develop at the site requiring external treatment. Often the bumps get reddish and swollen due to friction and the pressure of the bones from within.
The Causes
While bunions are often considered to be a hereditary condition,
foot doctor also consider faulty footwear as an aggravating factor if not the cause.
One needs to select shoes with extra large width in the toe space to minimize discomfort. Also shoes with pointed fronts and high heels are best avoided especially if there is a history of bunions in the family.
The Treatment
Bunions being predominantly a genetic condition tend to occur with similar disorders like flat feet and arthritis. Treatment needs to be more holistic based on external procedures and medication. The end result should be to provide comfort and reduce hindrance in daily life.
"*Various orthotic devices like toe spacers, bunion regulators and splints aid in proper movement.
"*Shoes with a wide toe space and extra padding are highly recommended to reduce discomfort while walking.
"*Ice packs can be applied at the site to provide relief from inflammation.
"*Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen also help in alleviating the pain to a certain extent.
Precautions to be observed include
minimizing strenuous physical activities that cause the condition to further worsen.
Standing in one place for a long time puts extra pressure on the legs and needs to be avoided.
Surgery
Surgery is resorted to only if the condition degenerates rapidly and interferes with daily life.
"*In this case the
podiatric surgeon takes an X-Ray image of the foot to determine the extent of change in the bone structure.
"*The procedure is charted keeping in mind the individual"s age, overall health and desired level of activity.
"*The surgery is done using a local anesthesia. The procedure involves removal of the bony growth at the joint and realigning the bone and cartilage as far as possible to the original position.
"*In cases where the degree of repositioning is more the bones are stabilized using screws.
The goal of surgery is to reduce pain and provide maximum flexibility in movement. The healing period is about 6-8 weeks in general during which crutches are used as mobility aids.
