Bunions can be problematic for many people, causing pain and hindering them from enjoying their life. Many people will notice the symptoms of this deformity, but because many people do not know about bunions that much, many will avoid seeking treatment. In fact, most people are too afraid to seek help because they believe the only treatment for bunions is getting surgery. This blog is going to focus on what you need to know about bunions to help put your mind at ease and encourage you to get medical care.
What Are Bunions?
Bunions are deformities of your feet and are one of the more common foot deformities out there. It shows up as a bump on the outer side of your big toe, and this is what makes many people think the bunion is not too bad. However, this is just an outer manifestation of what is happening to your foot. In fact, the bunion is showing that your bone structure is slowly changing, and you need to make sure you get proper medical care. The one thing many people do not know about bunions at first is that this is a progressive disorder that will get worse if you do not seek medical help.Â
What Causes a Bunion?
One of the common misconceptions about bunions is that shoes cause themby crowding your toes. While this does not cause bunions, it can make them worse. Certain, inherited foot types cause bunions, and you will find that shoes that crowd your toes can aggravate it. Something many do not realize is that there are certain foot types that are more likely to get bunions than others.Â
What are the Symptoms?
You need to make sure you know about bunions by knowing the symptoms to look for; when you start noticing them, make sure to go to your doctor. The sooner you see your doctor, the less likely you are to need surgery. The symptoms to look for are:
- Soreness or pain on the outer side of your big toe.
- Redness and inflammation around the big toe.
- A feeling of burning in your big toe.
- You may feel numbness as well, but not everyone does.
- A bump on the outside of your big toe.Â
How Can You Treat it?
There is a variety of ways you can treat bunions without surgery. These treatments are:
- Changing your shoes to ones that do not crowd your toes.
- Wearing special padding around the bunion to cushion it.
- Modify various activities to stop aggravating the bunion.
- Taking medications to alleviate the pain.
- Icing your toe to cut down on swelling.
- Injection therapy can also help treat bunions, but is a rare treatment method.
- Wearing orthotic shoes or devices for your feet.
It is possible to make sure you know about bunions and treat them well without going for surgery. Your doctor will inform you if you need surgery, but if you seek help quickly, you are less likely to need it. If you are looking for great orthotic shoes or devices to wear to treat bunions, then you are in the right place! The Orthotic Shop has a great selection of shoes just for you that you are sure to enjoy. Take a look around to find the right shoes for you.