There are several causes of bunions. Although they can be prevented, once they appear, they cause pain and a lot of discomfort.. A visit to a podiatrist can help with an initial diagnosis, but the specialist doctor to check a bunion is the orthopedist.
Treatment for a bunion can range from taking painkillers, changing footwear or, in some cases, requiring surgery. But the decision about the best way to relieve the pain of a bunion should be made with your doctor. Except for surgery, no treatment will make a bunion go away..
What are bunions and how can I relieve the pain?
A lump at the base of the outside of the big toe is a symptom of a bunionette.is a symptom of the appearance of a bunionette. In addition there is swelling, inflammation and therefore redness. This can produce from mild pain and discomfort to the inability to walk normally.
If in addition to the appearance of the bunion the person presents a previous problem of arthritis, the pain is much more intense and the big toe appears much more rigid and loses mobility. But what are bunions, why do they appear, how do you relieve the pain caused by a bunion?
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What are bunions
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe.. Although sometimes it can also appear on the little toe. This deformity occurs at the bone joint and occurs when the big toe begins to deviate toward the next toe.
This deviation of the big toe ends up causing a deformity of the metatarsal bone, to be so extreme as to cause overlapping of the first two toes.. It is common in women over 40 years old and its causes are not yet defined, but there are several reasons that could be involved in the appearance of bunions.
Why do bunions appear?
Bunions can appear due to hereditary factors, predisposition due to other types of conditions related to the feet and bones, or due to bad habits developed over many years.
It is important to know the possible causes that provoke the appearance of bunions.The main reason for this is to prevent its appearance or to be aware of any possible symptom or change that could aggravate the condition once a bunion has appeared.
1. Heredity
An apparent cause of the appearance of bunions is genetic predisposition. The shape of the foot is inherited and for this reason over the years the same deviation can occur as that of one of the parents. It is common for those who suffer from bunions to have at least one family member who also has bunions..
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2. Congenital deformity
Another cause of bunions is deformity. If from the moment of birth the foot has a deformity, it is said to be congenital. This alteration rarely causes problems during childhood and youth, being asymptomatic at these ages. It is in adulthood when they begin to cause pain and other problems..
3. Flat feet
Flat feet can be one of the causes of bunions. Although having flat feet does not mean that bunions will inevitably develop, it appears to be one of the causes for many women.. This is because when flat feet are present, the big toe sticks out from the rest of the toe and remains pressed in the shoe for many years, until it generates a deviation.
4. Muscular imbalance
People who suffer from any condition that affects muscle tone tend to develop bunions.. Among the series of consequences derived from certain types of paralysis is the appearance of bunions. Although it does not cause pain, the choice of footwear becomes a little more complex.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
Suffering from rheumatoid arthritis predisposes the joints of the foot to deformities. The most frequent of these bone alterations are bunions. Rheumatoid arthritis affects all joints of the body and if some precautionary measures are not taken, bunions can appear.
6. Unsuitable shoes
Wearing unsuitable shoes for a long time could lead to bunions.. Although there are professionals who do not agree with this cause, it has been proven that a genetic predisposition or a medical history can cause bunions, a process that is aggravated if you wear very high heels or very narrow shoes for many years.
How to relieve the pain caused by bunions?
When the pain or discomfort caused by bunions is uncomfortable, a podiatrist or orthopedist should be consulted.. Sometimes bunions may not cause any discomfort, especially if they are very mild. In these cases there is nothing more to do, because beyond the aesthetic, they do not generate any problem.
But when there is pain and discomfort when walking, the medical specialist must check and make the diagnosis, which in many cases does not require more than a basic examination. Depending on the discomfort that is referred to him, the doctor will decide on a treatment or even decide if surgery is necessary..
1. Anti-inflammatories
A topical or oral anti-inflammatory can help relieve pain.. Although this will only take away the discomfort for a short time, it at least provides temporary comfort before receiving medical attention or treatment.
2. Change footwear
Proper footwear can alleviate the pain caused by bunions. It needs to be fully ergonomic and sized to fit properly in length and width to avoid pressure on the bunion, which at the same time will help stop the deformity from progressing.
3. Insoles
The use of insoles is an option to alleviate bunion pain. Especially in cases of flat feet, insoles help to correct the posture of the foot when walking, which helps to relieve pressure on the bunion.This helps to relieve pressure on the bunion.
4. Rehabilitation exercises
When the protrusion is larger and causes a lot of discomfort, rehabilitation exercises may be recommended, rehabilitation exercises may be recommended.. Although this will not eliminate the bunion, it will reduce the inflammation and the deviation, in addition to the use of insoles and appropriate shoes.
5. Surgery
If the pain is very intense and causes inability to walk, then surgery is the only option. Besides being the only way in which the bunion will be totally eliminated.. Surgery is resorted to only when the bunion causes inability to continue with normal life.