People of all ages and lifestyles can develop bunions, although certain factors like genetics play a role in their development. It is not a serious medical condition, but it can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult for you to walk. If left untreated, bunions Mill Creek can lead to the development of other foot problems like hammertoes.
Symptoms of bunions
A bunion is a bony protrusion that occurs near your big toe, causing pain and discomfort. Other signature symptoms include tenderness, redness, and swelling around the affected toe. The surrounding skin may also become thick and develop calluses due to the constant rubbing against footwear. In severe cases, the big toe may overlap the second two, resulting in trouble walking and finding comfortable shoes. Bunions can also restrict movement in your big toe joint. If left untreated, a bunion can increase your risk of developing arthritis in the toe joint.
Causes of bunions
Although the exact cause of this deformity is still a mystery, several factors contribute to their occurrence. One primary cause of bunions is genetics. If you have a direct family member with the disorder, you are at high risk of developing it. Also, the shape of your foot can lead to the development of bunions. For instance, you are more likely to develop bunions if you have low arches or flat feet than people with normal arches. Other causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, foot injuries, and health conditions affecting the connective tissue and joints in your feet.
Available treatments
Your treatment relies on the severity of your symptoms. Dr.Hansen will examine your foot and discuss your symptoms before recommending treatment. He may recommend heat and ice, protective padding, corn and callus removal, over-the-counter shoe inserts, and wearing wide-fitting shoes in mild cases. In most cases, these conservative treatments provide relief from pain and inflammation. However, the team may suggest surgery if your bunion doesn’t respond to these approaches. The surgery involves removing part of the bone and the inflamed tissue to straighten your toe. The position may involve breaking and repositioning the bones. Dr. Hansen will also tighten loose ligaments and relieve pressure on tight ones to support the newly aligned toe. Sometimes, he may fuse the bones to prevent them from shifting out of position.
How to prevent bunions
You can adopt several habits that can prevent the development of bunions. First, you should wear well-fitting shoes to allow your toes to move freely. You should also reduce how often you wear high-heeled shoes. If you are overweight, your provider may recommend several exercises and diets to help you achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight can exert extra pressure on your feet, leading to the development of bunions. The team may also recommend good foot hygiene and regular foot exercises to strengthen the joints, reducing your risk of developing foot problems. Inspecting your feet for abnormalities can also help identify the cause and seek early treatment powerful idea.
If you have painful bunions, call the Hansen Foot & Ankle office or book an appointment online for treatment.
