Archive for Bunions
Bunions
Posted by: | CommentsA bunion is a bony lump on the side of your foot, which develops when your big toe starts to angle towards your second toe. The bunion eventually causes discomfort and pain. The skin over the lump can become red, blistered or infected. A fluid-filled space called a bursa may also develop under your skin in this area and this can be painful if it becomes inflamed. This is called bursitis. You can also get a bunion deformity concerning your little toe this is often called a “tailor’s bunion”. Bunions are typically progressive and usually get worse over time. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, redness, difficulty walking and difficulty wearing shoes.
A bunion occurs as a result of a problem with your big toe known as hallux valgus. Hallux means the big toe and valgus means that it’s pointing outwards towards the other toes. In hallux valgus the bone in your foot at the base of your big toe, called the first metatarsal, moves out at the side of your foot. Your big toe angles towards your other toes. There is evidence that people can inherit a tendency to develop bunions. However, it doesn’t always follow that if your parents or grandparents have bunions, you will have them too.
A good understanding of foot biomechanics is required if you wish to address the cause of the bunion. The anatomy involved can be quite complex and if the forces that are causing the bunion can be reversed it is possible to keep the bunion from worsening. Proper shoe gear and arch control also plays an important role.
The best conservative care will not reverse a bunion. If you have severe pain or discomfort from a bunion, you will typically need to have an operation to correct it. Dr. Sowell is a podiatrist who is specifically trained to treat the bones and joints in the foot. There are over 130 different operations that can be carried out to treat bunions. Most of these procedures will aim to narrow your foot by straightening out your big toe joint as much as possible. An operation won’t return your foot back to normal, but most people find that surgery reduces their symptoms and improves the shape of their foot. The operation you have will depend on how severe your bunion is and whether or not you have arthritis.
One of the most common operations is called a metatarsal osteotomy. Your surgeon will cut one or more of the bones in your foot and then reset them so they are in line. He or she will also cut away the part of your big toe joint that is sticking out. Your surgeon may also correct the ligaments and tendons inside your foot by making them looser or tighter.
Another simpler operation that you may have is called an exostectomy (also sometimes called bunionectomy). In this procedure, your surgeon shaves off the part of the bone that is sticking out (ie the bunion). However, the bones aren’t straightened out. As this operation doesn’t correct the position of the bones, your bunion is more likely to return.
As with all surgery there are risks associated with these procedures. It’s likely that you will find the condition is much improved, but you may still have some pain and your big toe may feel stiffer. It’s also possible that in time the bunion will develop again.
Bunions in Nacogdoches and Carthage Texas at Sowell Podiatry
Posted by: | CommentsIt is not uncommon for patients to call alomost anything on their foot a bunion! I thought it might be helpful to explain in more detail what a bunion is and how a podiatrist, such as myself, can address them.
A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. The enlargement and its protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Valgus). The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Valgus. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe.
Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult—all contributing to chronic pain.
Wearing shoes that are too tight is the leading cause of bunions. Bunions are not hereditary, but they do tend to run in families, usually because of a faulty foot structure. Foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, flat feet, and pronated feet can contribute to their formation. It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries.
Treatment for Bunions
Because they are bone deformities, bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is twofold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain cause by irritations, and second to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:
- The use of protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
- Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
- Changing to carefully-fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.
- Orthotic devices—both over-the-counter and custom made—to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
- Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
- Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly. This is often recommended for adolescents with bunions, because their bone development may still be adaptable.
Surgical Treatment
Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.
