If you’re experiencing foot and toe pain and there is swelling or a bump around the big toe, it could be bunions. For its treatment, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon. Here are the causes, symptoms, and treatments for bunions.

What Is A Bunion?

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms on the joint of the big toe. It will push the big toe towards the index toe and cause pain. The big toe’s joint becomes prominent due to the bump, swelling, and the big toe being pushed to the smaller toes. The color of the skin around the bump may change as well.

In some cases, there can be bunions on the little toe as well. They are called bunionettes. Bunions are very common. According to experts, about 30% of Americans have bunions.

What Are The Causes Of Bunions?

It’s believed that a combination of causes can develop bunions. The following are some causes of bunions:

Abnormal Bone Structure

If your foot bone structure is not normal, there is a risk of developing bunions. Family history plays a role in this as well.

Wearing Narrow Or Pointed Shoes

Shoes that are narrow around the toes are also considered a cause of bunions. These narrow shoes keep putting pressure on the toe joints for years, which can lead to the big toe leaning towards the smaller toes. To compensate for the misaligned big toe joint, it may develop a bump that is called a bunion.

Standing For Longer Periods

If you stand on your feet for a longer period or work with your feet, there is a risk of developing bunions. The risk can be higher if the footwear is narrow towards the toe area.

Arthritis

Certain types of arthritis are also linked with bunions. Most commonly, it’s rheumatoid arthritis. It’s a chronic condition that causes inflammation, swelling, pain, and deformity in the joints. It can affect hands and feet at first. Over time, it spreads to other joints as well.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause swelling and pain in the joints.

There are other general causes, like obesity and age.

What Are The Symptoms Of Bunions?

• Bumps on the big toe joint. Bumps can be on the little toe joints as well.
• The big toe will appear leaning towards the other toes.
• Swollen skin.
• Red or darker skin on and around the bunion.
• Pain in the feet, especially in the big toe joint area, is usually worse when wearing footwear or walking.
• Difficult to move or bend the big toe or pain when bending the big toe.
• Hammertoes, which are hardened joints of toes, making the toes point up.
• Numbness around the big toe.

What Are The Risk Factors For Bunions?

Family History

People whose biological parents have foot problems like foot mechanic issues or, more specifically, bunions, are at a higher risk of developing bunions.

Age And Gender

Bunions are more common in older people. When it comes to gender, women are generally more affected by bunions.

Past Injuries

Anyone who has had past foot and toe injuries is at a higher risk of developing bunions. This is because the injury might have changed the alignment of the foot or toe, contributing to the joint deformity.

Do You Need Tests For Bunion Diagnosis?

No, usually you don’t need any test for the diagnosis of bunions. The medical practitioner will physically examine your foot and ask about your symptoms for diagnosis. It’s a physical deformity of the toe, so it’s very clear with a physical examination. If it’s not clear, an X-ray is all that’s needed.

What Are The Treatment And Management Options For Bunions?

For treatment and management, a podiatrist is the right specialist to see. However, they can refer you to a pain management doctor Woodbridge as well if required.

Non-Surgical Ways To Manage Bunions

In many cases, you don’t need surgery and you can do a few things to ease the pain and swelling:

Change The Footwear

Your doctor may advise you to change your shoes and opt for wider and roomier shoes that cause the least friction to your toes. If your existing shoes are fine and not too narrow, you can use a stretching device to make them wider. However, if the shoes are old, it’s better to get new ones for maximum comfort.

Use Padding

You can use bunion pads or cushions to act as a cushion between the toes and the shoe. It’s considered a good method of easing bunion pain when walking. These are available over-the-counter, so you don’t need a doctor’s prescription for them.

Consider Shoe Orthotics Or Inserts

Shoe orthotics and inserts are usually devices that fit inside a shoe to improve comfort and relieve foot and joint pain, such as bunion pain. They are also OTC products. There are also orthotics that are custom-made for the patient’s foot, designed by brands or podiatrists. They are even better at managing joint problems, like bunions, but may be more expensive.

Wear A Splint When Barefoot

When not wearing a shoe, you can use a splint to keep your big toe from pushing towards the little toes, causing pain and complications.

Pain Relievers

You can also take medication to relieve the pain. Many Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce swelling and inflammation. You can use over-the-counter NSAID tablets or creams. However, make sure to consult your doctor before taking pain medication for more than 10 days.

Prescription Medication

If the pain or swelling doesn’t ease with OTC drugs, you can also see a doctor who may prescribe pain medication such as corticosteroids.

Apply Ice

Apply ice or cold packs to the swollen area. However, don’t put the ice directly on the feet. You should wrap ice in a towel before putting it on the toe joint. And don’t use it for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Surgical Methods

If the pain or swelling is severe and impacting your daily activities, a podiatrist may suggest surgical intervention. There are multiple types of surgical procedures for bunions, called bunionectomies. A specialist can use one or a combination of them based on your condition.

Osteotomy

Small incisions are made in the foot and toe bones, and then screws and pins are inserted to realign the toe joint. It’s a common bunion surgery.

Arthrodesis

If arthritis is the cause of bunions and it’s severe, the surgeon may choose this procedure. The arthritis-affected joint is removed first. Then, screws are used to keep the bones together. Over time, the bones fuse together.

Lapidus

This procedure is also for severe bunions. The surgeons will remove the bunion-affected joint. After that, they will realign the foot by fusing two bones together, a long bone in the middle of the foot and a small bone.

Exostectomy

It’s for minor bunions and it’s rare because most of the time, the surgeon may have to perform an osteotomy with this procedure. In this minor surgery, the surgeon simply shaves off the bunion.

Conclusion

A bunion can be a minor problem or a huge one that affects your lifestyle and work. In any case, it doesn’t go away on its own, visit a podiatry clinic Woodbridge for a management or treatment plan.