Bunions are one of the many issues that we wish no one had to face. They are unattractive, painful and gruesome to live with. While the most popular option is to undergo bunion surgery to relieve the pain, there are other effective bunion treatment options to reduce swelling and pain. No one wants to voluntarily walk into an operating room for any little condition, which is why we develop the best treatment plan to deal with every unique case before considering bunion surgery.
What is a Bunion?
For those who have yet to hear about the foot condition affecting more than 50 percent of American women, bunions are abnormal bony protrusions that appear on the base of the big toe joint. Bunions can be very painful and develop for a number of different reasons. This bump represents a bony prominence that develops along the first metatarsophalangeal joint on the inside of the foot and over time the bump grows larger to the point where it changes the joint structure. The longer that the bunion goes untreated is the more that the big toe turns inward toward the middle of the foot. This pain can be excruciating trying to wear certain shoes and may eventually be too painful to walk.
What Causes Bunions?
In the past, it was assumed by experts that bunions developed from improper footwear such as high heels, but podiatrists confirmed that the use of ill-fitting shoes are not the ultimate cause of bunions. In fact, recent studies show that bunions are due to the following:
- Inherited foot type
- Severe foot trauma
- Progressive childhood deformities
- Nerve conditions and arthritic diseases
Though it is a fact that ill-fitting shoes do not cause bunions in everyone, but the early presence of the condition can be exacerbated from persistent pressure that pushes foot bones in a narrow and unnatural shape.
When is the Best Time to Consider Bunion Surgery?
There have been plenty of misconceptions about patients acquiring treatment with bunion surgery. Of course bunion surgery is an option, but according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it is only recommended if there is severe pain, discomfort, and unnatural deformity that is not responsive to conservative treatment. At our office we provide the best techniques to help patients recover swiftly from severe pain and hopefully decrease big toe inflammation.
If you are looking for more information about whether bunion surgery is in your near future we suggest you schedule an appointment with an experienced bunion surgeon to help determine if the first metatarsal bone needs to be realigned its natural position. Contact our foot and ankle specialist and allow us to help you eliminate bunion pain. Call us and schedule a consultation at (562) 420-9800.