All you ever needed to know about Bunions
A bunion, medically known as hallux abducto valgus, is a bony deformity of the foot that tends to worsen over time. A bunion is a deviation of the big toe and the associated metatarsal bone. It occurs when the big toe drifts over to the lesser toes and causes what appears to be “a bump” on the side of the feet. The causes of a bunion are debated within the medical community but it seems to be caused by many different factors including genetics, flatfeet and tight shoe gear.
Who gets a bunion?
It is difficult to predict who will get a bunion. It can be seen in a wide array of people including young teenagers, middle aged individuals and seniors. The above mentioned factors may help foresee who will get a bunion.
What are signs that you have a bunion?
Pain is the most common symptoms of a bunion deformity. Many people many experience this with tight shoes. Redness, swelling and decreased motion of the 1st toe joint can also be signs that you are suffering from bunion pain.
How can one prevent a bunion formation?
The best preventative medicine for bunions is custom molded orthotics and comfortable shoe gear.
How can one treat bunions?
Bunions are usually first treated conservatively. Bunion splints, toe spacers, rest, ice, wider shoes, appropriate orthotics and medication can help treat painful bunions. Conservative treatment is successful most of the time to prevent surgical intervention. These treatment modalities are usually all that is necessary, but in some circumstances surgical intervention is warranted.
What does bunion surgery entail?
There is a wide array of different types of bunion surgery. Your surgeon will determine which type of surgery to perform based on your symptoms, age, x-rays of your feet, level of activity etc. Once the surgeon takes all these factors into account most of the time surgery includes removing the “bump”, realigning the big toe and the metatarsal. If there is arthritis involved in the bunion deformity then the arthritic spurring will be removed during surgery. Bunion surgery does require anesthesia and is usually performed in an operating room under the surveillance of an anesthesiologist.
Recovery includes 6-8 weeks with the use of crutches or walker. The type of surgery performed will dictate the type of weight bearing that is allowed. 2 months post operatively one may begin to return to regular shoe gear. After surgery it is highly recommended to wear custom orthotics long term to prevent re-occurrence of the deformity.
For more information please visit our website at www.footnj.com
Thanks for sharing a great blog. I have a bunion and right now I am treating it with the bunion corrector. Also I do bunion exercises two times a day. I know I had a bunion because I was wear a tight shoes all the time. I saw a improvement in my bunion after wearing bunion corrector day and night support for the past 1 month.
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