Bunions are painful, bony bumps that form on the joints of your feet. They usually occur on the joint next to the big toe or on the joint next to the pinky toe. Bunions are caused by your big toe pressing against the adjacent toe, forcing the joint to enlarge and become painful. Bunions do not go away on their own; they require treatment from a podiatrist. But how do they form, and how do you prevent them? Our podiatrist in Springfield, VA, answers these questions to help you prevent bunions or continue care for existing bunions!
Main Causes of Bunions
#1: Bad Shoes
The biggest cause of bunions is wearing shoes that are too narrow and rub up against the outside of your feet. They can also cause toes to overlap, creating pressure on the joints in your toes. Over time, stress is placed on the bone with repeated movement and irritation occurs.
#2: Genetics
Bunions can also develop if you have a structural defect in your foot. These are generally inherited and cannot be prevented. Another problem that can cause bunions to form is arthritis. Arthritis damages the cartilage in the joint and makes you susceptible to bunions. However, you can take preventive measures to avoid or reduce the risk of developing them.
Symptoms of Bunions
Aside from the obvious bony bump on your joints and the pain associated with it, you may also experience other symptoms related to bunions:
- Restricted movement of big toe
- Stiffness or difficulty moving your toes
- Callus or corn between your big toe and adjacent toe
- Swelling around your big toe
If you notice any of these symptoms, look into treatment for bunions immediately.
Treatments for Bunions
The first thing you should do is get proper fitting shoes that allow movement of your toes. As the bunion heals, you can use bunion cushions to relieve pressure on the joint. If these treatments don’t work and bunion becomes severe enough, you may have to undergo foot surgery to remove the affected tissue. If treated properly early on by a podiatrist, this should be avoidable.
If you’ve suffered from bunions in the past, watch out for re-growth and contact your podiatrist if necessary.
Contact our podiatrist in Springfield, VA, today to find out more about bunion treatment!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with convenient podiatry offices located in Springfield, VA, by calling 301.660.8225 or by clicking here.
