Bunions are a common condition; and as any patient suffering through them knows, they are extremely unsightly and painful. Bunions usually occur on the big toe, but can occasionally occur on the smallest toe. Many people who have them are unclear on exactly what they are. Bunions occur when extra bone forms. This is usually resulting from improperly fitted or too-tight shoes, which is why they usually affect women. However, they can also result from a genetic predisposition.
Bunions can severely impair the quality in the daily life of a person. Besides being highly unattractive, they can create significant pain when one walks or wears non-athletic shoes. The best prevention against bunions is to wear comfortable, athletic shoes that provide their wearer with plenty of room and support. However, most women are not willing to give up their much loved high-heels that easily! If you must wear high-heeled shoes, then it is crucial that you make sure that they provide you with plenty of room. Feet tend to swell slightly when you wear heels over one-half inch, so it is a good idea to always purchase high-heels in a size that is a half-size larger than what you typically wear. This will provide you with the room that your feet need because of the expansion and still have a level of comfort that is appropriate.
It is important to understand that the shape of the shoe dictates the positioning of the toes, toe joints and foot tendons. Most fashion footwear has a tapered toebox, with the tapering beginning at the main joint. This styling pushes the large toe sideways into an unnatural position, crowding itself and the other toes. Wearing shoes of that styling over time creates the condition permanently, until surgery is the best remedy to correct it. Because of this cumulative effect, it is especially important to wear shoes that are designed with the natural shape of the foot in mind, in order to avoid foot pain from this condition.
If you are suffering from bunions, there are some measures that you can take before seeking medical intervention. Switch to wearing comfortable running shoes or open-toed sandals at every opportunity, and try to rest your feet as much as possible by staying off of them. Applying an ice pack and taking aspirin can help to ease the pain and reduce the swelling. A podiatrist is a medical professional who is able to provide cortisone injections, which can be highly effective in reducing swelling and inflammation.
Those experiencing bunions should schedule a consultation with a podiatrist and receive an evaluation of the appropriateness of more serious treatments, such as surgery to remove the excess bone. The severity of your condition needs to be determined and a qualified podiatrist is able to do that. Untreated bunions can have painful and permanent ramifications, so it is crucial that you treat them as soon as possible.
