High Fashion and the Lowdown on Bunions
At Sole Focus Foot and Ankle, we know that fashionable high heels are always in style. Unfortunately, chic footwear comes with a price: bunions.
Although a bunion initially appears as a bulge at the joint of your big toe, that’s just a symptom of a more serious condition caused by the big toe leaning into the second. As the big toe pushes further into the others, bones become misaligned. The bunion then grows bigger, causing swelling, redness, pain, and discomfort.
Bunions are genetic, but flat feet, foot injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis can also be contributing factors. Certain conditions can also cause bunions to worsen. We’ve listed a few of those below:
- Squeezing your feet into shoes with narrow toe space is a preventable contributing factor and may explain why bunions are more likely to afflict women.
- Delivery drivers, teachers, nurses, cooks, and anyone doing a lot of standing can be impacted.
- A previous surgery that failed to address structural abnormalities may result in a recurrence of the issue.
Initial treatment options for bunions can effectively reduce pain and discomfort before surgery is needed. If you’re suffering from bunions, you might want to try:
- Resting the foot.
- Applying ice.
- Wearing shoes that have a wider toe area.
- Taking ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.
- Foot stretching and toe exercises.
- Padding, taping, or splinting.
- Using customized orthotic inserts.
Many people let bunions go untouched for years, but the condition worsens when treatment is not prompt. Untreated bunions can lead to painful related conditions, including hammertoes, bursitis, and metatarsalgia, so it is important to seek help early.
Sole Focus Foot and Ankle, based in Marlton, NJ, provides professional solutions to foot and ankle needs in the Greater Camden area. Dr. Vrunda Dalal is a Fellow of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a Board-Certified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, respected as a top authority in her field. Instead of waiting for a common foot and ankle ailment to worsen, stay ahead of the pain! Call us at 856-831-7700 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
