Bunions

Bunions are often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. With a bunion, the big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment—producing the bunion’s “bump.”

Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which continues to become increasingly prominent. Usually, the symptoms of bunions appear at later stages, although some people never have symptoms.

Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion

Symptoms occur most often when wearing shoes that crowd the toes—shoes with a tight toe box or high heels. This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men. In addition, spending long periods of time on your feet can aggravate the symptoms of bunions.

Treatment options

Early treatments are aimed at easing the pain of bunions, but they won’t reverse the deformity itself. These options include:

Changes in Footwear: Wearing the right kind of shoes is very important. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box and forgo those with pointed toes or high heels which may aggravate the condition.

Padding Pads placed over the area of the bunion can help minimize pain. You can get bunion pads from your podiatrist.

Activity Modifications: avoid activity that causes bunion pain, including standing for long periods of time. medications Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain.

Injection Therapy: Although rarely used in bunion treatment, injections of corticosteroids may be useful in treating the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located in a joint) sometimes seen with bunions. orthotic devices.

Orthotic Devices: in some cases, custom orthotic devices may be provided by the podiatrist.

When is Surgery Needed? When the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activities, it’s time to discuss surgical options with your podiatric surgeon. Together you can decide if surgery is best for you.

Towards Wellness

Try to Keep a Healthy Routine This Christmas

Over the holiday period, it can be difficult to stick to your usual healthy eating and exercise routine. Remember, if you stock up on lots of goodies for the Christmas/New Period, you are setting yourself up for at least a month of indulging. If you try your best to stick to your usual routine this will help you overcome overeating and a lack of exercise

Stretch of the Month

Side Leg Raise

  1. Lie down on your right side on the floor. Your body should be in a straight line with your legs extended and feet stacked on top of each other.
  2. Place your arm straight on the floor under your head or bend your elbow and cradle your head for support. Rest your left arm on your leg or hip.
  3. As you exhale, gently raise your left leg off the lower leg. Stop raising your leg when you feel the muscles flex in your lower back or obliques.
  4. Inhale and lower the leg back down to meet the right leg. Stack your feet again.
  5. Repeat 10-12 times, then switch to the other side.


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