Symptoms, Causes & Prevention of Bunions Treatment in Dallas

A bunion is a bony lump that forms at the base of the big toe.  It occurs when the bones of the big toe get pulled towards the smaller toes, forcing the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out.

This causes ligaments and tendons around the big toe joint to stretch, there may be additional bone formation in the joint. A bunion can cause pain and impact physical function, as well as affecting general health, mental health and social function.

Limitations on what footwear can be comfortably worn due to bunions reduces social activities and physical activities. Bunions develop slowly. Pressure on the big toe joint causes the big toe to lean toward the second toe.

 Over time, the normal structure of the bone changes, resulting in the bunion bump. This deformity will gradually increase and may make it painful to wear shoes or walk.

Causes of Bunions

 Bunions including a genetic component. They are caused by faulty foot structures such as having flat feet, excessively flexible ligaments, or abnormal bone structures that lead to the development of bunions. Bunion sufferers can be divided into two broad categories.

· Wearing improperly fitting

· Certain arthritic conditions

· Age (the incidence of bunions increases with age)

· Being flatfooted with feet that roll inwards

· Nerve conditions affecting the foot.

The other is people with bunions caused by poor foot function, such as collapsed arches or flat feet. This latter group of people is often otherwise healthy and active.

Symptoms of bunion

Symptoms can include the joint becoming inflamed with redness, tenderness, and pain. This is due to a small fluid-filled sac called the bursa, which is adjacent to the joint, also becoming inflamed.

Symptoms of bunions tend to increase over time as the condition worsens. Typical symptoms include:  

· pain and stiffness of the big toe joint

· swelling of the big toe joint - the foot may become so wide it can be difficult to find wide enough shoes

· difficulty walking

· arthritis in the big toe

Prevention of bunions

Proper footwear may prevent bunions. Avoid tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that put pressure on the big toe joint. Choosing footwear that fits correctly, especially low-heeled shoes with plenty of space for the toes, is one of the main ways that bunions can be prevented.   

· Keep track of the shape of your feet as they develop over time, especially if bunions run in your family.

· Exercising the feet can strengthen them. Learn to pick up small objects, like a pencil or pebble, with your toes.

· Wear shoes that fit properly and don't cramp or pinch your toes.

· Women should avoid shoes with high heels or pointed toes.

Always stand when trying on shoes to ensure they still fit comfortably when the foot expands under your body weight. The treatments described above are very effective in treating bunion deformities, and the prognosis can be excellent. However, the correct diagnosis is essential to define any underlying associated deformities as well as the bunion severity.

Treatment reference