Treating Bunions: What is the Most Effective Treatment?
Treating Bunions: What is the Most Effective Treatment?
An ailment that affects 1 out of every 3 people in the U.S. over the age of 60, Bunions can be a painful and unsightly condition. For sufferers, they may think that this is simply a natural progression of their toe structure.
Doctors are taking interest in the condition as it is a deformity in the big toe. A Bunion is noticeable as it is a defect in the bones of the big toe. Causing a large, often red, lump at the joint, it turns the big toe inward to the smaller ones.
This condition can be painful, and it forces the joint to move at an unnatural angle. There are many remedies available for those who suffer. A bunion is not something that should be accepted without consultation from a qualified healthcare provider. There are treatments and options available.
What Causes a Bunion?
Bunions are typically seen more in women than in men. This is often linked to the weaker tissue in a woman’s foot than in a man’s foot. Bunions can result due to trauma. In many cases; tight, narrow shoes will exacerbate the condition. Women who wear heels and tight-fitting shoes may be more at risk than others.
Bunions are also caused by genetics. If someone in your close immediate family has an issue with this deformity, you may have issues too.
This painful deformity is also linked to those who have arthritis. An inflammatory condition that affects the joints, is often linked to bunions.
Complications
Bunions, in severe cases, can lead to other issues. Inflammation of the fluid-filled pads that protect your joints can occur when a bunion is present. Causing more pain and discomfort, the sufferer may seek treatment.
One of the common symptoms of a Bunion is referred to as “Hammertoe.” This is an unnatural bend that affects the middle joint of the toe and causes severe pain.
It is advised to see a doctor when your experience pain in your toe or foot when a Bunion is present. If you are having difficulty finding shoes that will fit or you’re unable to move your toe freely you need to see a doctor for the condition.
Treatment for Bunions
Treating a Bunion depends on certain factors such as cause and severity. Depending on the reason for your Bunion, there are many treatment options available.
It is advised to wear loose-fitting shoes that do not put additional pressure on the area of your foot that is affected. Some Orthotics Specialists may prescribe shoes that will ease the discomfort from the condition.
Your condition may only require a stint or special pads inserted into your shoes.
If your symptoms are severe, surgery to correct the deformity may be an option for you. Like many medical procedures, there are risks with this surgery. It is best to try alternative measures first such as shoes, a heating pad, or prescriptions that relieve pain.
A bunionectomy (the name of the surgery) may be performed un anesthesia and result in the cutting of the bone, inserting wires, or simply realigning the bones.
Contact Suffolk Foot and Ankle for Bunions Treatment
If you have bunions, contact Suffolk Foot and Ankle with offices in East Patchogue, Riverhead, Medford, and Commack by calling 631-604-4948. We can help you with all of your foot care needs.