Due to your stride pattern or the structure of your foot, a bunion can form on the outside of your big toe and cause discomfort. If you stand for a long time or wear shoes that are too small, your bunion discomfort may get worse. If non-surgical treatments like toe spacers, bunion pads, and properly fitted shoes don’t work, surgery can be the only option (a bunionectomy).
A bunion develops on the outside of the big toe. The big toe joint has been under constant pressure, resulting in this foot deformity. A bony lump will form in the middle of the toe if the toe joint is misplaced. Hallux abducto valgus is the medical term for a bunion.
Who Is Prone To Bunions?
Approximately 30% of the global population may be affected by this issue. This foot condition affects elderly individuals, particularly older ladies, more than younger individuals. Bunions are anomalies that can affect one or both of the joints of the big toe.
Types of Bunions
Typically, the big toe is the one that enlarges and becomes painful due to a bunion. Other possible groups include:
- Hallux valgus in kids and teenagers: Bunions are more common in kids and teens between the ages of 10 and 15.
- Congenital hallux valgus, also known as a bunion, is a condition that affects some newborns.
- Bunionettes, also known as tailor’s bunions, are issues with the outside edge of the little (pinky) toe.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
The form of your foot or the way you walk causes your big toe to eventually bend toward your second toe (foot mechanics). The formation of bunions occurs gradually but steadily. Bunions can be made worse by prolonged standing or by wearing shoes that are too tight or unpleasant, but these factors do not cause bunions.
Risk Factors
You may be more likely to develop a bunion if you have
- Inherited: Bunions are inherited from parents because certain foot types, such as flat feet, are predisposed to them.
- Injuries: The foot has abrasions and wounds.
- Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
Symptoms
A bunion looks as a red, swelling bump on the foot with pumpkin-colored skin. Some people think that the Greek word for turnip is where the word “bunion” comes from. These other signs and symptoms could possibly exist:
- When you try to flex your great toe, a neuroma may make it difficult or cause pain and burning.
- With typical shoes, walking is challenging.
- This dried-out, hardened skin is what leads to thickened skin, also known as, corns or calluses.
- The great toe has no feeling.
Diagnosis
The best orthopaedic in Gurgaon will be able to identify a bunion simply by observing it. X-rays can also be used to examine the alignment of the bones and the health of the joints.
Treatment
On the other hand, a bunion is permanent. A common goal of treatment from the best orthopaedics hospital in Gurgaon is to get rid of symptoms, and medications are often used to do this.
Bandages and cushions for great toes: Pain caused by a bunion can be alleviated with pads available over the counter. Medical tape can also be used to maintain the correct position of the foot.
Different types of footwear: When your feet suffer, shoes with spacious toe boxes can provide relief. A shoe stretching gadget may make the shoes you already own more comfy.
Orthotics equipment: Orthotics, which can be purchased over-the-counter or custom-made, can assist with alignment issues such as pronation, which may be the cause of bunions. In addition, you could place a spacer between the second and third toes. Putting a splint on a person’s big toe at night to keep it straight has been beneficial for some if the treatment is done by the best orthopaedic in Gurgaon.
Pain relievers:
Using cold packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications helps alleviate discomfort and swelling (NSAIDs).
Physical Therapy:
Soft-tissue adhesions can cause pain and swelling, but ultrasound, massage, and physical therapy can all help break them apart. Some exercises can help strengthen the muscles surrounding a bunion, preventing it from spreading.
Injections:
Injections of steroids can be harmful if they are administered too frequently or if they are administered directly into the joint. People with bunions frequently attempt this as a final resort to avoid surgical intervention.
Surgery:
If non-surgical treatments have not been effective and walking is extremely painful, you may be advised to undergo surgery. This surgical procedure is known in medical jargon as a bunionectomy. A physician can remove a bunion and realign the great toe.
Prevention
The easiest strategy to prevent bunions and stop an existing one from getting worse is to wear shoes that fit properly. The best orthopaedic in Gurgaon or other medical professionals can help you determine the right shoes for your feet. Shoes should have a soft sole and a large toe box for comfort. Avoid high heels that dig into the ball of your foot and shoes that become increasingly narrow as they approach your toes. If you have flat feet or another structural problem with your feet, orthotics that are made just for you can help stop or slow the growth of bunions.
Outlook
If bunions are not appropriately managed, such as by altering shoes or wearing orthotics, they can worsen over time. Stopping all activity would be detrimental to your health and quality of life if moving or standing is so painful. The majority of the time, a patient’s symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications or office-based treatments. In the worst circumstances, surgery may be the optimal option in the best orthopaedic hospital in Gurgaon.
Seeking Help
If any of the following occurs, you should seek medical attention immediately:
- Walk quickly to demonstrate your toughness.
- The great toe is not moving at all.
- The toes have a great deal of joint pain or redness.
- A fever following surgery is one indication of an infection.
Conclusion
Numerous individuals experience bunions. Even while bunion pads and over-the-counter pain relievers may help, you should still consult a physician. Your physician may also recommend orthotics, physiotherapy, medication, or a change in shoe size. Bunions’ discomfort can be eased, and the problem can be prevented from worsening. If the pain gets too bad, you may need surgery to remove the bunion and straighten the big toe.
