What are bunions?
The ordinary bunion is a visible bump at the base of the main toe due to enlarged inner part of the joint. The enlargement in fact points to extra bone formation, frequently together with a misplacement of the big toe. The standard position of the big toe which is supposed to be straight develops into outward-shaped towards the smaller fingers. The big joint at the base of the big toe becomes inflamed with tenderness, redness, and ache. A small fluid-filled bursa adjoining to the joint can result in inflammation causing bursitis that leads to more redness, swelling and ache.
A less ordinary bunion is found at the joint at the base of the fifth toe. This sort of bunion is at times known as a tailor’s bunion.
Who gets bunions?
Bunions usually tend to hit women. There are studies which mention that bunions are found 10 times more in women then men. The reports also include possibility to tight-fitting shoes, particularly high-heel and narrow-toed shoes that can increase the possibility for bunion formation. Bunions are also found to be more common in people who use shoes than in individuals who prefer barefooted. There are also suggestions that point to genetic factors that incline to the formation of bunions, particularly when they happen in younger people.
There are other risk factors that promote formation of bunions. They are congenital abnormal development of the bones of the foot that are present from birth, nerve related problems that impact the foot, rheumatoid arthritis, and foot injury. For example bunions are prevalent in ballet dancers.
Symptoms of a bunion
Bunions may or may not show signs. Usual sign is pain in the affected area when walking or from shoes. A bunion promotes growth of the base of the big toe and is commonly related with positioning of the big toe in the direction of the smaller toes. This causes chronic or intermittent pain at the base of the big toe.
Bunions that lead to pain are usually due to swelling of the soft tissues, tenderness and redness.
How to diagnose a bunion?
In addition to symptoms above the doctor will also check the anatomy of your foot by assessing during the medical checkup. X-ray of the foot can be useful to check the integrity of the joints of the foot and to detect any hidden conditions, such as gout or arthritis. X-ray films are the best way of measuring the position of the toes.
Bunions treatment
You can start with simple steps as resting the foot by keeping away from too much walking and using wider shoes or sandals that can help relieve the annoying ache. Walking shoes can offer certain advantages over high-heeled shoes that push the big toe outward.
Anti-inflammation drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can reduce swelling as well as the pain. You can also try applying cold packs onto the affected area, sometimes it helps as well. There’s a bunion splint that can be worn during your sleep which provides further relief. Custom insoles can help you with additional support and repositioning. Sometimes inflammation can be reduced by a local administration of cortisone. Unfortunately those with stubborn bunions may have to go for surgery. Surgery may correct bunion formation and get rid of pain leading to better results. This procedure usually involves scrubbing the bony growth of the bunion while readjusting the big toe’s alignment. However surgery doesn’t guarantee 100% success, however with suitable footwear and proper walking regime you can improve the chances of surgical procedure.