Bunions are a common foot condition that causes the big toe to become misaligned and bulge outwards. They can be painful, difficult to treat and require surgery for more severe cases.
Many different things, including genetics, ill-fitting shoes, and sports-related injuries, cause bunions. It is preventable by wearing comfortable and supportive shoes and changing activities if your feet hurt.
Bunions can vary in severity; however, a severe case can cause far-reaching physical and psychological issues. It can cause pain in the feet, ankles, and even the legs and can lead to depression when mobility is limited.
The most common symptom of bunions is swelling or a hard lump on the big toe joint. Other symptoms include redness and tenderness to the area, skin inflammation, and drainage.
Bunions can worsen over time, making them more challenging to treat. And surgery is usually recommended for very severe cases. Several conservative treatment options are available.
Treatment for bunions can be as simple as changing shoe style or as complicated as surgical intervention. Orthotic inserts, steroid injections, and physical therapies can help reduce pain and prevent the bunion from worsening.
Bunion surgery is generally successful, with many people completely recovering in at least two weeks. However, it is recurrent when there is no proper treatment or if left untreated.
Bunions can be hereditary and develop during childhood or teenage years. For this reason, it's crucial to ensure your kids wear comfortable and supportive shoes and pay attention to signs of a bunion developing.
People suffering from conditions such as arthritis and diabetes are more at risk for bunions due to inflammation and stiffness of the joints. It's important to keep affected joints flexible and to wear shoes that won't irritate the bunion.
It's possible to have bunions on both feet; however, having only one is much more common. Some people have what is known as a "tailor's bunion," which is a bunion that affects the little toe and can be extremely painful.
Bunions are treatable at home or with professional medical help. Pain management, exercises, shoe inserts, and change of shoe style are the most common conservative treatments that focus on providing relief and preventing the bunion from getting worse.
