Bunions Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment | Diseases List A-Z

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe.

It occurs when several bones in the front of the foot move outward.

This causes the tip of the big toe to pull toward the smaller toes, causing the joint at the base of the big toe to protrude.

This causes the skin to become red and painful.

Be aware that wearing shoes that are too tight or too tight can cause bunions or make them worse.

Bunions can also develop as a result of foot shape, foot deformities, or medical conditions, such as arthritis.

Bunion Symptoms Apart from the presence of a lump, bunion symptoms include: Red, inflamed skin on the side of the big toe.

The big toe bends towards the other toes.

Thickened skin on the bottom of the big toe.

Calluses on the toes.

Persistent or intermittent leg pain.

Difficulty moving the big toe.

The pain from bunions can also make it difficult for a person to walk.

See a doctor if you experience: Constant pain.

Difficulty finding shoes that fit and are comfortable.

Decreased flexibility of the big toe.

A large lump on or near the big toe joint.

Causes of Bunions Bunions are generally considered a genetic condition.

They occur due to inherited faulty foot structure.

Several conditions can trigger the development of bunions, including flat feet, overly flexible ligaments, and abnormal bone structure.

Some experts believe that ill-fitting shoes can cause bunions, but others believe that shoes only worsen existing structural problems.

Bunions usually get worse over time.

The condition can be made worse by: Shoes that are too tight or too small, which cause the toes to be crowded and put pressure on the big toe.

Wearing high heels or pointy-toed shoes.

These shoes force the toes together.

Standing for long periods of time.

Symptoms of arthritis in the feet.

Leg injury.

Foot abnormalities since birth.

It’s important to note that bunions in the big toe are the most common.

Other types include: Congenital hallux valgus: Some babies are born with bunions.

Juvenile hallux valgus: Teenagers between the ages of 10 and 15 can develop bunions.

Tailor’s bunion: Also known as a bunionette, this bunion forms at the outer base of the little toe.

If the feet do not develop properly before birth, this can also increase the risk.

A study shows that about two percent of children under the age of 10 have this condition and almost half of all adults.

Teenage bunions are most likely to occur in girls between the ages of 10 and 15.

This tendency is usually due to a family history.

Young people with bunions can usually move their toes up and down.

However, in adults, bunions are more likely to limit the movement of their toes.

Bunion Risk Factors Several factors can increase the risk of bunions, including: Rheumatoid arthritis.

Having an inflammatory condition can make a person more likely to develop bunions.

Heredity.

A tendency to develop bunions is likely due to an inherited problem with the structure or anatomy of the foot.

Bunion Diagnosis In most cases, your doctor can diagnose bunions through a physical examination.

Because many of the symptoms are immediately visible.

During the physical examination, your doctor may ask you to move your toes back and forth to check for limited movement.

Bunion Treatment Bunion conditions cannot be cured, treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms, namely: Placing pads around the bunion Over-the-counter bunion pads can cushion the area and reduce pain.

You can also use a bandage to keep your foot in the correct position.

Changing footwear Switching to shoes with a wide, deep toe can reduce pressure on your toes.

You can also use a stretcher to widen your existing shoes.

Using orthotic devices Wearing special shoes (orthotics) can control problems such as pronation, which may contribute to bunion formation.

Some people also find comfort in wearing a splint at night to keep the big toe straight.

Avoid activities that increase pain These activities may include standing for long periods or playing contact sports.

Ice compress Placing an ice pack on the affected area can reduce swelling.

Pain reliever Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) either oral or topical can be combined with ice packs to manage pain and swelling.

Physical therapy Massage, physical therapy, and ultrasound therapy can stretch the attached soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.

For example, steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling but.

However, they can cause side effects if used too often or injected into the joint itself.

If non-surgical treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend surgery.

This procedure is called a bunionectomy.

The surgeon will remove the bunion and realign the bone to return the big toe to its proper position.

In choosing a procedure or combination of treatments for a particular case, the surgeon will consider the degree of deformity based on X-ray findings, age, activity level, and other factors.

Meanwhile, the length of recovery time for each person is also different, depending on the procedure performed.

Bunion Complications Possible complications of bunions can include: A fluid-filled sac called a bursa, cushions the bone near the joint in your big toe.

When that joint becomes enlarged by a bunion, the bursa can become swollen and painful, a condition called bursitis.

This can make it even more painful and can damage the soft tissue that covers the joint, called cartilage.

This can lead to arthritis.

Hammertoe (hammer toes).

Bunions can cause a notch in the middle joint of the second, third, or fourth toe where it shouldn’t be.

This happens when the muscles and tendons there are pushed out of position.

More comfortable shoes can help relieve symptoms, but your doctor may recommend surgery if the hammertoe is causing serious problems.

Metatarsalgia This is when the ball of the foot becomes swollen and painful.

Bunions can cause this condition, while shoes that are too tight or too loose can make it worse.

You can get this condition if you run or jump too much.

For example, when jogging or playing basketball.

Shoes with insoles or arch supports can help manage symptoms.

Meanwhile, other complications can include:: Pain in the legs.

Difficulty walking.

Decreased mobility in the toes.

Bunion Prevention To help prevent bunions, choose shoes carefully.

Be sure to choose shoes with a wide toe, and there should be room between the tip of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Shoes should also conform to the shape of your foot without feeling like they are squeezing or pressing on any part of your foot.

When to See a Doctor? See a doctor immediately if you feel: Constant pain in the toes.

Difficulty finding shoes that fit and are comfortable.

Decreased flexibility of the big toe.

A large lump on or near the big toe joint.

.