|
Bunions
BUNIONS INTRODUCTION
Bunions
are one of the most common forefoot deformities. A displacement
of the bone under the 1st toe occurs. This causes the
big toe to move towards the smaller toes. This shifting
of the bones causes a bony prominence on the side of
the patients foot (the bunion joint). Over a period
of time the big toe may come to rest under (occasionally
over) the 2nd toe.
A
bunion is more common in women than men due to women
wearing tighter fitting shoes. This condition can cause
a variety of different soft tissue and bony complaints
which may result in severe pain.
Symptoms
include redness,
swelling and pain which may be present along the inside
margin of the foot. The patients feet may become too
wide to fit into their normal size shoe and may experience
moderate to severe discomfort may occur when the patient
is wearing tight shoes. A "hammer toe"
may occur at the 2nd toe. This is when the toe contracts
and presses on the shoe. Subsequently, this may cause
a corn on top of the 2nd toe.
Corns
and calluses may occur on the soles
of the feet, in between toes and on the bunion joint.
Stiffness can occur at the big toe due to secondary
arthritis, this is known as Hallux Rigidus.
Other foot conditions can occur such as in growing toe
nails and in severe cases the bunion joint may have
a fluid filled sack called a BURSITIS.
This can be very painful and can become infected. Click
here to view photographs of bunions
CAUSES OF BUNIONS
-
The most important causative factor is poor fitting
footwear. This accounts for an higher incidence among
women then men.
-
Family history of bunions
-
Abnormal foot function, excessive pronation.
If a chiropodist/ podiatrist uses this term he is
referring to excessive rolling in of the foot at the
ankle joint while you are walking. For a more detailed
explanation of the biomechanics of bunions click here.
-
Rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
-
Genetic and neuromuscular diseases which can result
in a muscular imbalance such as Down's syndrome.
-
If one leg is longer then the other, the longer leg
is more inclined to develop a bunion.
-
If the ligaments in the feet are very weak.
-
In some cases, bunions can occur due to trauma or
injury to the feet.
BUNION TREATMENT
- Click on the images
below to cure this condition.
- Wear wide fitting shoes, preferably with a leather
upper which will allow a stretch
- Bunion surgery may be required in some patients,
however this should only be considered when all non-surgical
treatment options have been used. Bunion surgery has
improved dramatically over the last 20 years but it
still cannot guarantee a total recovery and often
post operative complications such as calluses and
corns can occur depending on the procedure used. Click
here to view the different types of procedures available.
- If your bunion becomes painful, red and swollen,
try using ice on the joint and elevate the foot on
a stool.
- Apply a commercial bunion pad, making sure it is
not too rigid or medicated.
- Bunion Night Splints can reduce
the size of the bunion. This will straighten the bunion
while you sleep.
- A Bunion Shield can reduce the
pain over the bunion.
- Apply a moisturizer such as flexitol heel balm
twice daily to hard skin or corns and use a pumice
stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin.
Dr
Foot Recommends
Review:
Bunions can be an embarrassing, painful and hard to
treat condition.
Our bunion products range treat every aspect of a bunion.
Bunion night splints correct a bunion while you sleep
and can prevent the need for bunion surgery. Insoles
and orthotics correct the bunion while you walk. Our
silicone product range give instant relief for painful
bunions by reducing friction and irritation between
adjacent toes and aligning your big toe. They also absorb
pressure on the bunion joint and prevent rubbing against
the shoe.
5
Star rating 
  
Read
more about Bunion Products from £5 with Free Postage
and Packaging
A
Quick, Secure and Easy to Use Foot Store!
Freephone
0800 1953440
PREVENTING
BUNIONS
Bunions are often preventable by wearing shoes that
fit properly. The part of the shoe that accommodates
the toes should be wide enough for the toes not to be
forced together. This means that the tops of the four
smaller toes, when resting on the insole of a shoe,
should be about level with one another.
OTHER
TIPS
- High-heeled or tight-fitting shoes should be avoided.
- Applying padding over the bunion may help.
|