The bony bump, which forms on the big toe’s joint is also known as the bunions. This actually forms when the big toe pushes against the other toe. Thus forcing the joint of the big toe to enlarge and stick out. Moreover, the skin in the area of a bunion may become red and may swell. Furthermore, even just the appearance of it is already hurtful, what more when it already happens. Hence, knowing the treatments for bunions is very significant. If you want to know about this and more about the condition, feel free to give this article a read.
What is Bunions?
This is often referred to as the bony bump which develops at the joint of the base of the big toe. Bunions are a progressive bone disorder, which may case so much pain. Furthermore, the onset or the development of bunions may arise from the changes in the bone structure of the foot itself. The changes may actually lead to the bones in the feet and toes which are improperly aligned.
The real bunion bump is mainly caused by the pushing of the big toe against its neighboring toe. This causes the joints to stick out. Moreover, the condition doesn’t only affect adults, those who are in the stage of adolescents may also experience it. In this regard, the bunions are called adolescent bunions. This particular type of bunion is commonly an inherited condition.
Bunions may lead to the stretching of the tendons and the ligaments around the joint of the big toe. Thus causing the soft tissue over the joint to become painful and inflamed. There is a big possibility that there is an additional bone formation in the joint. As the time goes by, the cartilage in the joint may break down, thus leading to the onset of osteoarthritis.
Causes of Bunions
The main cause of a bunion is the mechanical uncertainty in the joint of the big toe. There are various reasons why this actually happen. The bunions tend to actually run in the family, thus having a family history of bunions may increase the risk of developing it. Here are some of the factors which may increase the risk of the onset of bunions:
- Nerve condition that affects the foot
- Trauma or past injury to the foot
- Over pronation or being flatfooted with feet rolling inwards
- Aging
- Various arthritic and ligaments conditions and disorders
- Wearing of improperly fitting shoes
- Polio or some other conditions that affect both the nerves and the muscles
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Underdeveloped feet
Symptoms of Bunions
the appearance of the bump in the big toe’s base is the main symptom of a bunion. Some other symptoms of bunions include the following:
- Having a restriction is the movements of the toes that are affected
- Appearance of calluses and corns
- Swelling and redness of the skin
- The skin of the base of the affected toe gets thick
- Swelling on the joint of the affected area
- Burning sensation
- Numbness
- Soreness and pain
The symptoms of bunions may get worse when you continue to wear narrow shoes or high heels. Those people who are on their feet for a long period of time may also make the symptoms worse. Bunions start as just small lumps. However, over time they get worse –causing so much pain and making it hard to walk.
Complications of Bunions
The presence of bunions may lead to the development of some other conditions, like the following:
- Arthritis
- Decrease in the mobility of the toe
- Having a hard time walking
- Pain
- Calluses
- Pain and swelling of the ball of the foot
- Hammertoe or the abnormal bending of the toe, which may lead to pressure and pain
Treatments for Bunions
The treatments for bunions depend on its severity. The condition may be treated with or without going under the knife.
Non-surgical treatments for bunions:
- Cortisone injections –these may relieve the swelling of the toe.
- Pain reliever medications –this helps in reducing the swelling and pain of the toe.
- Ice –this is beneficial in reducing the swelling.
- Activity avoidance –avoid activities that require the use of the feet for a long period of time.
- Splinting, taping, and padding the toe.
- Orthotics or the shoe inserts –this relieves the pressure in the toe.
- Well-fitting footwear –this may help in relieving the pressure.
Surgical treatments for bunions:
- Resection athroplasty –this requires the removal of the portion that is damaged. Thus providing more space in between the toe bones.
- Exostectomy –this is the surgical removal of the toe joint bump. However, this does not commonly treat the problem that causes a bunion.
- Arthrodesis –this is the procedure of removing the joint surface of the swollen area. Moreover, this surgery typically used to those with a severe type of bunions.
- Osteotomy –this is the corrective procedure in realigning the joint of the foot.
- Tendons and ligaments repair –this involves the shortening any weak joints tissues in the foot and lengthening the toe.
