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Understanding Your Bunion Treatment Options

7th March, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

A bunion is a structural deformity that causes a bump at the base of the big toe. This common deformity often comes with pain. As the problem deteriorates it can cause a significant deformity of the foot. Commonly a bunion involves swelling which creates a large bump on the bone.

The bunion may increase in size if it is not taken care of, and may cause arthritis or stiffness of the joint. Posture will also suffer if a bunion is left untreated, causing walking difficulties. It may also lead to bursitis, which is the swelling of the watery sac in the joint.

Bunions are caused by the joint of the big toe being placing under unnatural stresses, especially from wearing tight shoes. Women who wear high heeled dress shoes frequently have an increased risk of developing bunions in later life. Hereditary can also play a part, cuasing some people to be predisposed to getting bunions. Many people who work on their feet and spend long times walking are prone to develop bunions.

Hammertoes, wherein the big toe begins to push the other toes, can occur if bunions are left untreated. Also, calluses and corns can also form on high pressure areas of the foot.

Bunion treatment is commonly non-invasive, as long as treatment is begun early. Changing shoes to those with wide flexible uppers and support for the foot helps to ease the problem.

First your doctor will assist you in getting rid of the inflammation. For severe cases, you doctor will prescribe medication, yet over the counter medications can work as well.

Bunion treatment that aids to put the bones of the foot back in place is usually done at night. The bones attempt to straighten with the use of splints.

Bunion shields may be worn to care for the bunion during the day, and damage can be prevented, and are valuable to use with bunion pads.
Lightly exercising the area is also useful to keep the movement of the joints and muscles to a maximum and to facilitate healing. You should only do this if you doctor approves it.

In most cases surgery is unnecessary to alleviate symptoms and to improve the health of the feet. In critical cases on the other hand, surgery is the only way to realign the bones of the foot. Since it isn’t always effective, surgery is used as the final option in cases that have not been helped in any other way.

For additional information on treatment for bunions, please visit bunion surgery recovery.