Bunions are a common occurrence, and anyone is at risk of getting them. This painful deformity may worsen if not treated and cause the development of other foot conditions. If you’re struggling with bunions in Las Vegas, visit Battle Born Bone and Joint Center today for proper treatment.
What is a bunion?
A bunion refers to a bony bump that develops on the outside of your big toe. It occurs when specific bones on your foot protrude. A bunion is also clinically known as hallux valgus and can be excruciatingly painful to the point of affecting your mobility. Everyone is at risk of developing a bunion, but the condition is most common in women. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause bunions or worsen them. You can also get bunions due to a foot deformity, shape of your foot, or a degenerative condition, such as arthritis.
What are the common symptoms of bunions?
Some of the common symptoms of bunions include:
- Occurrence of corns and calluses on your first and second toe
- Redness, swelling, and excruciating pain on the affected toe
- A bulging bump on the outside of your toe
- Strained movement in the affected toe
- Difficulty walking in your regular shoes
- A burning sensation in the affected toe during movement
- Numbness in the big toe
If you tend to wear narrow shoes regularly, you may also be at risk of developing bunions. If left untreated, bunions can worsen and become excruciating, restricting your movement. Some of the complications that may result from bunions include:
- Bursitis, an excruciating process that develops due to inflammation of the small fluid-filled pads cushioning your joints
- Hammertoe, an abnormal bend that develops on the second toe that may cause pressure and pain
- Metatarsagia, a condition that results in swelling and pain in your foot
What are the available treatments for bunions?
Bunions don’t usually resolve on their own and tend to worsen over time. Some of the treatments you can use to relieve the symptoms include:
1. Pain relievers
You can combine nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with ice packs to help you alleviate the pain and reduce swelling.
2. Injections
If the bunions do not respond to painkillers, the Battle Born Bone and Joint Center team may recommend steroid injections to reduce swelling and pain. These injections can be damaging if you use them too often.
3. Physical therapy
In some cases, the team may recommend ultrasound therapy, massage, and physical therapy to reduce soft-tissue adhesions, which reduces inflammation. They may also guide you through several exercises to improve your muscle strength on the affected toe and restore proper alignment of your bones.
4. Surgery
If non-invasive treatments prove futile and the condition worsens, the specialists may result in surgical intervention. This type of surgery is called bunionectomy. The team removes the bunions and modestly realigns your bones to return the big toe to its appropriate position.
If bunions are restricting your movement or causing you extreme pain, do not hesitate to call the office or schedule an online appointment to begin your journey to wellness.
