Bunions - What Causes Them and What Can I do?

Bunions are a common condition that can cause soreness and discomfort in your feet. In this post, we will discuss what bunions are, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from developing. We will also cover tips on making your feet more comfortable overall. If you are experiencing symptoms of a bunion, please consult with a doctor for the best treatment plan. Thanks for reading!

Overview

A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the root of the big toe. The big toe points inward toward the second toe, and the joint sticking out at the side of the foot becomes enlarged and painful.

Bunions most often affect women over the age of 50. Too tight or pointy shoes can contribute to the formation of a bunion. In addition, people who have flat feet, arthritic conditions, or family members with bunions are also more likely to develop bunions.

Symptoms of Bunions

  • Pain or discomfort in the big toe
  • Redness, swelling, and stiffness in the big toe.
  • Pain in the joints of the foot.
  • Difficulty wearing shoes.

When to see a doctor

If you have a bunion, you may wonder when you should see a doctor. In general, it is a good idea to see a doctor if you have any persistent pain in your foot or difficulty walking. Bunions can worsen over time, so it is essential to evaluate them early. Your doctor can assess your case and advise you on the best course of treatment. In certain cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. However, there are also nonsurgical options that can help to relieve pain and improve function. If you are concerned about your bunions, make an appointment with your doctor today.

Causes of Bunions

There are many causes of bunions, but the most common is wearing ill-fitting shoes. Other causes include genetic factors, arthritis, and repetitive stress injuries. Ill-fitting shoes are the most common cause because they pressure the big toe, forcing it to bend inward. Wearing tight shoes or high heels can also lead to bunions in the same way. If you already have a bunion, wearing ill-fitting shoes will only worsen it.

Risk factors for Bunions

There are various risk factors for bunions, including genetics, arthritis, and injury to the foot. People with family members with bunions are more likely to develop bunions themselves. Bunions are also more common in people with arthritis or other conditions that affect the joints. Injury to the foot can also lead to bunions, so wearing shoes that fit correctly and provide good support is essential.

Complications of Bunions

Bunions can also lead to other problems, such as bursitis, hammertoe, and metatarsalgia. Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. Hammertoe is a deformity where the toe’s middle joint bends downward, causing the toe to resemble a hammer. Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot. While bunions are not typically severe, they can be painful and cause significant problems if left untreated.

Prevention of Bunions

There are several ways to prevent bunions from developing: wearing shoes that fit correctly, avoiding high heels, and keeping your feet healthy by stretching and exercising. If you already have a bunion, you can help prevent it from getting worse by wearing wide, comfortable shoes and using patched or orthotics.

Santa Rosa Orthopaedic’s Foot and Ankle Center

Santa Rosa Orthopaedic’s Foot and Ankle Center is a top-of-the-line center for relieving your pain and symptoms, including for bunions. We offer a variety of surgical and nonsurgical treatments to help improve your quality of life. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care, and we look forward to helping you get back on your feet. Learn more…

 


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