bunions
Hallux Valgus
A Hallux Valgas Bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries a lot of the body’s weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible.Tailor’s Bunion
Tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a prominence of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The metatarsals are the five long bones of the foot. The prominence that characterizes a tailor’s bunion occurs at the metatarsal “head,” located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe. Tailor’s bunions are not as common as bunions, which occur on the inside of the foot, but they are similar in symptoms and causes.
Symptoms
- Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe
- Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the MTP joint
- Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
- Restricted or painful motion of the big toe
Causes of Bunions
- Heredity
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Trauma
- Faulty Biomechanics
Treatment
The primary goal of most early treatment options is to relieve pressure on the bunion and halt the progression of the joint deformity. Talk with your FDFAC physician about which bunion treatment is best for you.
- Padding & Taping - Often the first step in a treatment plan, padding the bunion minimizes pain and allows the patient to continue a normal, active life. Taping helps keep the foot in a normal position, thus reducing stress and pain.
- Medication - Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections are often prescribed to ease the acute pain and inflammations caused by joint deformities.
- Physical Therapy - Often used to provide relief of the inflammation and from bunion pain. Ultrasound therapy is a popular technique for treating bunions and their associated soft tissue involvement.
- Orthotics - Custom shoe inserts may be useful in controlling foot function and may reduce symptoms and prevent worsening of the deformity.
- Surgery - When conservative treatments fail or the bunion progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint.
If you have bunions, FDFAC can help. Call us today and make an appointment to have your bunions evaluated. We’ll help you decide which of the available treatment options will be right for you.
About FDFAC
At FDFAC, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to receive the same level of exceptional treatment and care. Our team is committed to partnering with you, and to getting you back to the activities you love ASAP.
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