Bunions-also known as ‘hallux valgus,’ is a scrawny lump that forms at the base of the big toe. It
impairs the feet by making the first toe joint (metatarsophalangeal) bone stick out, pointing to
the other toes. Bunions are popular among older adults with painful foot conditions, which are
diagnosed according to your symptoms, x-ray, and analysis. It develops slowly without giving
signs.
For early discovery, contact the health care practitioners of podiatrists in Northern Beaches for
any foot ailment and solutions.
What Are The Main Causes Of Bunion
Here are a few causes of Hallux valgus-Bunion. Find them below:
1. The structure of the foot
Often, bunion disorders are caused by inherited foot structure. This foot structure problem is
medically termed ‘Pes planus (flatfoot). It occurs when the arches don’t expand well during
pre-adolescence.
2. Tight footwear
Wearing tight, pointed, and narrow shoes are the common cause of Bunion. Women suffer more
from this progressive disorder because they tend to have weaker connective tissue than men.
Also, the kind of footwear they put on contributes to it. For example, heels.
3. Standing on your feet for a long-time
If you put too much weight on your feet while standing or walking, the big toes start bending
over to the other toes.
4. Toe injury
Sprained toes are commonly experienced by soccer and football players. This wound ruptures
or breaks the articular larua, the tendon, and the fleshy tissue that connects the joint on each
side of the big toe. Therefore, resulting in a bunion.
5. Degenerative joint disease
This is also called ‘arthritis or rheumatism. It is an inflammation of the joint that causes pain or
disability. Arthritis patients are forced to change their walking steps, allowing bunions to form.
The major treatment options for bunion
When it comes to bunion treatment, there are two major methods of treating bunion;
● The surgical procedure
● And non-surgical method
The surgical solution for bunion disorder
Osteotomy/bunionectomy
It is the surgical removal of a bunion. The surgeon cuts the bone and changes their positions
with metal screws. It helps to straighten the big foot and lower the lump.
Articulation infusion/arthrodesis
The surgeon removes the broken cartilage, puts the damaged joint in order, and fixes the bone
so that the bones can heal together.
The non-surgical treatment of bunion
● Take oral pain reliever pills such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen. They can be
found among over-the-counter drugs.
● Take a shot of steroids for those inflamed bunions. It lessens the irritation.
● Wear shoes that do not tighten your appendage/toes.
● Make use of foot spacers and bunion splints. The spacer can be worn overnight while
the splints are worn inside the shoe.
● Wear professional made arch support
● Do simple toe exercises.
Note surgery is the only way to be completely free from a bunion.
How To Prevent Bunion
Take proper care of your feet
Once in a while, go to a massage parlor or use foot moisturizer to rub your feet if you can’t
afford it. Also, you can saturate your feet in Epsom salts (medicated soaking solution) Doing this
will keep swelling and bunions away from your feet.
Wear comfortable shoes
When purchasing footwear, buy a comfortable one. Walk around and see if it makes your feet
free. Try as much as possible to avoid closed shoes. In the case of heels, do not wear them
regularly. It places abnormal stress on the big toe.
Maintain healthy lifestyle
Be watchful of what you eat. Being overweight adds pressure to your feet as you walk or stand.
If the big toe is under lots of stress, there is a high chance of developing a bunion.
Bunion: What Causes Them, Treatment & Prevention
