A bunion is a bump on the base of your big toe that can cause pain and inflammation. It usually develops slowly over time, but can cause severe pain and damage to your joint if left untreated.
Risk factors for bunions include wearing high heels and shoes that push the toes together. Adolescents and young people are also at higher risk of developing bunions.
Symptoms
Table of Contents
If you have a bunion, you may notice signs and symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness. These may be worse when you wear shoes or stand for long periods of time.
Bunions can cause pain, swelling and inflammation at the joint where your big toe meets your foot. If your bunion is causing pain, you may be able to find relief by taking over-the-counter pain medicines or anti-inflammatory drugs.
You can also try putting ice on your bunion to reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the instructions on how long to leave the ice on.
Special pads can cushion the painful area over a bunion, but you should talk to your doctor or test the pad for a short period first before using it regularly.
If you think you have a bunion, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist. These foot specialists specialize 拇趾外翻 in diagnosing and treating problems with your feet and ankles.
Causes
A bunion develops slowly over time because the bones in your foot shift into a position that changes how they fit together. Certain ligaments stretch out while others tighten, causing the joint at the base of your big toe to become bulged and shaped like a bump.
Heredity plays a part, too: People who are born with a foot deformity that increases pressure on the big toe joint or who have rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to get bunions. Other risk factors include wearing shoes that are too tight around the toes or having a hammertoe or metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot).
A doctor can diagnose a bunion with a physical examination and X-rays. They may also recommend medication and foot splints to help relieve pain. These treatments can ease symptoms and slow down the development of a bunion, but they haven’t been proven to permanently fix it.
Prevention
If you have a bunion, it’s important to treat it before it becomes too painful. This is because it can eventually progress to a more serious condition that requires surgery.
Bunions are a progressive deformity of the big toe joint that can develop as the result of unstable mechanics in the foot. Although they’re most common in women, men can also develop them.
Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent the development of bunions. The most effective way to do so is to wear proper footwear.
Shoes that fit well, with lots of room in the toe box, are key to preventing bunions. Avoid high heels, pointed toes or shoes that squeeze your toes together.
You can also protect your feet with over-the-counter bunion pads that are designed to cushion the affected area and ease pain. However, these can only be helpful if they are the correct size for your feet.
Treatment
If you’re experiencing bunion pain, there are a number of treatment options available to ease your symptoms. These can include over-the-counter medication, physical therapy and surgery.
Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can relieve pain and reduce swelling. These medicines also may help control foot inflammation.
Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts that reposition your foot can help take pressure off the bunion. These can be bought from a pharmacy or podiatrist.
Pads: Protective pads, such as gel-filled or moleskin, can cushion the painful area around your bunion. However, they should be tried for a short time first to make sure they are the correct size for you and do not worsen your bunion pain.
Surgery: If nonsurgical methods don’t provide adequate relief, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the bunion and return your big toe to its normal position. This is not a quick fix and won’t cure your bunion, but most people find it reduces their symptoms and improves their quality of life.
