Dealing with Bunions
There are two popular theories about the cause of bunions, a common deformity on the side of a person’s big toe. They are: tight shoes and genetics. Which one is true? And what are the different treatment options for bunions?
That bump is actually the bone at the joint where the big toe connects with the foot. It protrudes outward while the big toe leans toward the second toe. Often characterized by pain and inflammation, a bunion can progressively worsen, gradually changing the angle of the bone.
As for the causes of bunions, tight shoes AND genetics play a role. It’s not the bunion itself that is inherited; rather, most bunions are caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. In other words, some people are more prone to bunions than others.
Wearing shoes that crowd the toes can enhance the progression of a bunion. High heels are often tight in the toes, which may explain why more women than men have bunions. Other conditions that may appear with bunions include calluses, sores between the toes, and ingrown toenails.
If pain interferes with your daily activities, surgery is an option for removing a bunion. There are no other methods to reverse the deformity, but you can take one or more of numerous steps to ease the pain of a bunion. These include:
Wear shoes with adequate space in the toes.
Wear padding over the bunion.
Avoid activity that causes bunion pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lessen the pain.
Apply ice to the bunion several times a day.
Injections of corticosteroids can be useful.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Watson, an orthopedic physician who specializes in foot & ankle care, call Orthopedic Institute at (888) 331-5890 or (605) 331-5890.
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