My bunions are killing me ! Why do bunions ache so much?

Bunion Treatment – What are bunions?

For those interested in bunion treatment, you might wonder, “What are bunions”? Bunions (hallux valgus) are bony prominences on the outside edge of the big toe where the toe meets the main bones of the foot. Bunions are a combination of three medical conditions that include enlargement of soft tissue; deformities in foot bones, called hallux abducto valgus; and a third condition calledmetatarsus primus varus. The hallux condition is a rotated big toe that either pushes toward the second toe, sits on top of it, or beneath it. Metatarsus primus is where the bone in the foot connecting to the big toe, rotates outward. This is the hard bone you feel when you touch a bunion. Understanding the biomechanics behind their formation helps in bunion treatment

Bunion Treatment – What causes bunions?

Bunion treatment isenhanced by understand how they are caused. There are many reasons for bunions:

• Hereditary – almost 70% of people with bunions have a family members with bunions
  • You do not inherit the bunion, itself
  • You inherit the foot structure leading to bunions

Bunions may be caused by high heels that force the big toe to collide into the tips of shoes

Wearing shoes that are too tight create conditions for bunion formation

Flat Feet

Arthritis

Poor foot biomechanics, such as over pronation (one of the primary causes)

Abnormal movements, including ballerinas who dance on their toes

Being a woman (bunions are more prominent in women)

Bunion Treatment – What are the symptoms?

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bunions helps to recognize and initiate bunion treatmentin its early stages. Bunions may be mild, moderate or severe and they may (or may not) cause symptoms.

People with severe bunions don’t always experience pain People with mild bunions can suffer greatly. If you have pain on the outside of your big toe joint, swelling, redness, numbness, a large bump, pain in the second toe, pain while wearing shoes, pain during activities or numbness and decreased motion of the big toe, you might have a bunion. Bunions have a very distinctive look and if you’re not sure, look them up on the internet. It’s important to begin bunion treatment as soon as possible to reduce severity.

Bunion Treatment – How do you treat bunions?

Bunion treatment at home will not make the bunion go away but can lessen discomfort, allowing you to resume normal activities. The first step is to buy wider shoes, reducing the pressure on the bunion. Stretch shoes are useful and especially cutting the shoe (in an X manner) directly above the bunion. Additional remedies include wearing orthotics, icing the area, applying padding and toe spacers and taking medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) such Advil, Aleve and ibuprofen (check with your GP). If these remedies do not alleviate discomfort, check with your doctor about physical therapy, cortisone injections and surgery. If time allows, one of the bestbunion treatments is allowing the area to resting, giving it time to heal.

Bunion Treatment – How do you prevent bunions?

Bunion treatment begins with prevention. If you start to notice a bunion is forming, wear different shoes. Avoid tight shoes and high heels. Purchase extra wide shoes. Whenever possible, wear sandals or flip-flops or go bare foot to take the pressure off the bunion. If you stop the bunion at its onset, additional bunion treatment may not be necessary.

Bunion Treatment – When to call your GP

Call for an appointment with your doctor if the bunion:

· Causes pain even after you’ve switched to wider shoes

· Prevents normal activities

· Shows signs of infection or a wound begins to form

If you have diabetes, call your doctor immediately at the first sign of infection or wound formation. Foot infections and wounds are extremely serious in diabetics. Don’t delay in seeking bunion treatment for infection in your feet.

View Bunion correctors and protectors available online.