Bunions are a common problem for people and it requires a podiatrist to diagnose it and treat it more often than not. The common bunion is small area of enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. This enlargement is actually the formation of additional bone and it usually comes in combination with a misalignment of the big toe. This misalignment of the toe causes it to move outward and it’s medically termed hallux valgus deformity. Normally, the big toe points straight forward but with a bunion, the toe becomes oriented towards the smaller toes and the enlarged joint at its base can become inflamed, red and tender and rather painful. Tight fitting shoes are thought to be a cause of bunions in many patients. Both high heels and cowboy boots are particularly damaging to the toes because they have a narrow toe box. Genetics can also play a significant role and people who have someone in their family with a bunion are more likely to have one than people who do not. Some people have a high risk by having a combination of factors. A woman, for instance, who is middle aged, has a family history of this issue and often wears high heeled shoes would be considered likely to develop a bunion.
Only a podiatrist can tell you what the cause of bunions are, and only a podiatrist can recommend the best bunion treatment. Bunions cause pain and difficulty wearing shoes and you will need a medical professional to help you determine what the right course of treatment for you is. There are several treatments for bunions, but surgery for bunions is not for cosmetics. Bunions may not be pretty but a cosmetic issue is not a good reason to have a surgery as any podiatrist will tell you. Surgery is of course a last resort for bunion treatment, reserved by podiatrists for when the patient has a difficult time wearing shoes on a regular basis.
Some bunion treatments don’t require surgery. Your podiatrist may recommend cold packs. Sometimes anti inflammatory medications such as acetylsalicylic acid (Bayer, Ecotrin), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Mediprin or Nuprin) and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn) are prescribed by your podiatrist. Another bunion treatment that a podiatrist might recommend is stretching exercises or a bunion splint. Custom insoles are another option, but only a podiatrist is able to tell you for certain which method, be it surgical or non surgical is right for you.
Make sure your podiatrist comes with good recommendations, and that he or she is patient, kind and understanding. These problems can be frustrating and difficult but a good podiatrist will be able to help ease the pain and to help you select the best possible bunion treatment for you.
