Bunion Research Paper
A bunion is very common among foot problems, but many people aren’t familiar with them, or have mistaken ideas about what they are and how they are treated. A bunion looks like a bump on the side of your big toe, and indicates that there is a misalignment in the bone structure of your foot, as the big toe leans towards the second toe instead of pointing straight like it should. At the Westside Podiatry Group in Rochester, NY, a podiatrist breaks down the causes, symptoms, and treatment of a bunion:
• Causes: The exact cause of a bunion is unclear. While some believe that wearing tight shoes can spawn a bunion, it is more likely that a bunion is a hereditary issue, the result of inheriting a certain type of foot structure that is misaligned
and prone to deformity. This can get exacerbated by wearing tight footwear. If a bunion does form, it is a progressive issue, meaning that it is likely to get worse over time if it isn’t treated.
• Symptoms: A bunion is very noticeable because of its protruding shape on the side of the toe. However, some people who have those foot types may never actually experience other symptoms. Those who do may have foot pain or a burning sensation, or swelling and redness. Sometimes, bunion sufferers may also experience numbness in the foot. A bunion can also be accompanied by other foot problems like sores between toes or an ingrown toenail.
• Treatment: A podiatrist will formally diagnose a bunion through x-rays, and then suggest a treatment plan. For less serious cases, treatment may just be a matter of monitoring the bunion to make sure it isn’t progressing too much. Comfortable, wide footwear is recommended for anyone with a bunion, along with padding and perhaps some ibuprofen and icing to help with the foot pain. For more severe cases, where the bunion begins to disrupt your day to day activities, a podiatrist may put forth some options for surgery to remove the bump and correct the alignment of the bone.
For more information on bunions or other foot problems, contact a podiatrist at the Westside Podiatry Group by calling 585-225-2290 or visiting their website.
• Causes: The exact cause of a bunion is unclear. While some believe that wearing tight shoes can spawn a bunion, it is more likely that a bunion is a hereditary issue, the result of inheriting a certain type of foot structure that is misaligned
and prone to deformity. This can get exacerbated by wearing tight footwear. If a bunion does form, it is a progressive issue, meaning that it is likely to get worse over time if it isn’t treated.
• Symptoms: A bunion is very noticeable because of its protruding shape on the side of the toe. However, some people who have those foot types may never actually experience other symptoms. Those who do may have foot pain or a burning sensation, or swelling and redness. Sometimes, bunion sufferers may also experience numbness in the foot. A bunion can also be accompanied by other foot problems like sores between toes or an ingrown toenail.
• Treatment: A podiatrist will formally diagnose a bunion through x-rays, and then suggest a treatment plan. For less serious cases, treatment may just be a matter of monitoring the bunion to make sure it isn’t progressing too much. Comfortable, wide footwear is recommended for anyone with a bunion, along with padding and perhaps some ibuprofen and icing to help with the foot pain. For more severe cases, where the bunion begins to disrupt your day to day activities, a podiatrist may put forth some options for surgery to remove the bump and correct the alignment of the bone.
For more information on bunions or other foot problems, contact a podiatrist at the Westside Podiatry Group by calling 585-225-2290 or visiting their website.