A bunion is an abnormal growth of bone interrupting the structure of foot bone. Generally, they form at the bottom of the big toe on the outside of the toe. Furthermore, the big toe turns towards the second toe gradually changing the skeletal structure of the big toe. It results to protrusion, inflammation and pain. It causes severe pain and difficulty especially with walking or running.
Causes of bunions
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes especially with tight toe boxes
- Foot injuries and congenital skeletal defects
- People with degenerative or inflammatory arthritis
- Low arches, loose joints or flat foot
Symptoms
- At first, there is pain after walking or running and inactivity
- Incapable of moving the big toe
- A visible bulge can be seen at the joint of the big toe
- In addition, formation of calluses or corn around the affected toe
- Severe and consistent pain
- Lastly, irritated, red sore skin around the joint of the big toe
Treatment
- Wear properly fitting shoes with narrow and tapered toe box. Avoid wearing heels to prevent increased pressure on the forefeet. Wear shoes where there is enough space to move around and lessen inflammation due to chafing.
- Prescribed orthotics to correct alignment of the affected area and delays the formation of the bunion. The orthotic supports a low arched and overpronated foot and realign the structure of foot and lessen the pressure inside the joint.
- Bunion splints to realign the big toe improve flexibility and stop compression of the other toes. Wear bunion splint at night to slow down the development of bunions.
- Place toe spacers inside the shoes to prevent chafing of the big toe against the other toe. The shoe should have enough space for the toe spacers.
- Apply an ice pack on the joint of the big toe to lessen the pain the inflammation and the swelling. Wrap ice pack using a towel before placing to the area for at least 5-10 minutes at a time.
- Prescribed analgesic creams to lessen the inflammation and the pain.
- Apply heat on the affected area to lessen spasms and stiffness of the area. Put a damp cloth between the affected area and the heating pads to prevent burns and worsen the condition. Another alternative is to soak the foot in hot water. In addition, Epsom salts can be added to the hot water for added benefits.
- Prescribed injection of corticosteroids to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
Tips
- Remove calluses or corn on the toes to prevent formation of bunions.
- Put gel insert or custom orthotics to stabilize the joint and proper alignment of the foot for walking or standing.
- Maintain a healthy weight, avoid being overweight.
- Perform regular exercises to maintain mobility of the joint and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-about-bunions
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/bunions/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/symptoms-causes/syc-20354799