Bunions

We all like to wear fashionable footwear. While men jaywalk in more comfortable shoes, boots, and sandals, it is more challenging for women. The strappy heels, the tight fit of the sandals, and the narrow pumps are a testament to women’s patience.

However, one also then has to pay the cost of fashion. One such condition is the formation of a bunion.

What are bunions?

Although not always due to footwear, bunions are bony bumps near the big toe. They occur because of the pressure in the foot, which then leads to the movement of the bones, and hence the jutting out of the bone.

Most often, bunions are innocuous, albeit painful, and a great source of discomfort. However, in some cases, the condition might be too grave, requiring the intervention of the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Karachi then.

Bunions tend to get progressively worse; they start off small, but then continuous movement then aggravates them. Not only does the bunion change the appearance but it also then impede mobility as well.

Symptoms of bunions

Notwithstanding the obvious visual symptoms of bunions, there is also pain and tenderness involved as well, especially when one wears tight fit shoes. Some people may also have callous formation as well.

Moreover, bunion also leads to inflammation as well. There might also be stiffness in the toe, which leads to problems with walking.

Causes of bunions

There are different causes of bunions, these include:

Footwear: First and foremost, your choice of footwear may be behind the formation of bunions. Narrow, tight, and poorly structured shoes that force toes together increase the risk of bunions.

Diseases or conditions otherwise: Some inflammatory conditions can lead to bunion formation. These include rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly, some muscular conditions like polio can also increase the probability of bunion formation.

Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed towards bunions. The anatomy of their feet increases the chances of bunion formation.

Treating bunions

Footwear

Your choice of footwear is extremely important. You need to make appropriate footwear choices; wear comfortable shoes that are wide enough. Shoes that are pointy or force your toes together need to go.

Make sure that your shoe does not put pressure on your toes. You might need to get special shoes.

Icing

Since bunions become inflamed and painful after an entire day in shoes, therefore, icing them can help in such situations. It also helps in curbing any swelling there might be. You need to first put the ice in some towel or dishrag since applying directly to the skin might lead to burns.

However, if there is a problem with reduced sensation in the feet, you should first consult your doctor before icing.

Medication

Some anti-inflammatory medicines can also help with pain management. Commonly used medicines include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. For those who have bunions on account of arthritis, more robust painkillers might be needed.

Padding

Special bunion shield pads can be placed inside your shoes. These help in cushioning the bunion against the friction from the shoes. However, be careful with your choice of pads; test them out first. Otherwise, it may aggravate your bunion and increase the pain.

Shoe insert

Shoe inserts can also help with reducing the pressure on the toe, as they help in distributing the pressure evenly, rather than focusing on the big toe. You may get a on over-the-counter insert, or orthotics as they are called, but you might also get prescription orthotic devices.

Surgery

If the conservative methods fail, you may also consult Orthopedic Surgeons in Saifee Hospital for surgical intervention.  It is only recommended if you have mobility problems, and not just for cosmetic reasons. The aim of the surgery is to realign the bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The type of surgery performed is contingent on the condition of the patient. Even though the procedure is simple, but the recovery period is long.