Guide To The Causes And Complications Of Bunions

Bunions refer to bony and painful bumps that develop inside the foot at the joint of the big toe. This condition develops slowly over time when ongoing pressure on the joint of the big toe makes the toe lean unnaturally closer to the second toe. As this leaning continues, the bone structure changes, which causes a bump. The bump gets bigger over time, and eventually, it becomes painful to walk and wear shoes. Although anyone can develop a bunion, they are more commonly found in women.

Bunion treatment often begins with wearing wider shoes to accommodate the bunion. This can help relieve bunion pain. Patients with bunions that hurt can also take pain medication, such as ibuprofen. Cortisone injections for bunion pain may also help. Some patients may have bunions on both feet. In addition to proper shoes and pain medication, physical therapy for bunions can help too. Many patients also benefit from cool compresses and shoe inserts for bunions. Surgery for bunions is only recommended when the pain is interfering with an individual's daily activities. Of course, it is worth patients understanding the causes and complications of bunions first.

Foot Injuries

Foot injuries and stress on the foot can lead to a bunion. If individuals wear narrow shoes that squeeze their toes, the big toe is more likely to be pushed toward the second toe. This squeezing causes an injury that, over time, leads to the development of a bunion. A bunion occurs when the first metatarsal bone found in the foot pushes outward, causing the big toe to point inward, which leads to a bump.

Any injury caused by compression to the foot can lead to a bunion. With that said, bunions typically develop due to repeated stress on the foot over time. Toes wrapped too tightly while an individual is recovering from a foot injury can lead to a bunion. If an individual's shoes are narrow enough to cause pain when they wear them, especially when they wear them for long periods, they may cause a bunion. Bunions are most likely to develop when the foot is squeezed into a narrow shoe.

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