Five Tips To Help Bunion Pain
By Abby Sanders
Bunions are common foot deformities that affect 1% of the population. Bunions are officially known as hallux valgus deformities. This means that there is a bump on the inner side of the foot at the base of big toe because the bones in the foot are not aligned properly. Hallux valgus deformities are quite painful and should be evaluated by a podiatrist to see if the deformity should be corrected by surgery or with special orthopedic shoes or orthotic devices.
The most common cause of this deformity is tight, poorly fitting shoes. Sometimes there are structural deformities of the foot that place abnormal pressure on the bones in the feet creating the hallux valgus deformity. Pressure over the metatarsal bone in the foot causes the bone to point abnormally and force the toe to point outwards and the metatarasal bone to point in.
Patients with bunions will notice a bump at the base of the big toe that is not painful at first. Over time the deformity will increase. Eventually, this region will become very deformed and may cause pain. Patients often have pain, redness and swelling at the base of the big toe that is caused by pressure from shoes that do not fit correctly or do not have wide areas in the toe region. Chronic irritation can results in swelling and irritation of the joint. As this deformity worsens patient may begin to develop other structural foot deformities such as, hammertoes, corns and calluses.
If you have bunions try these tips to help your feet!
1. Buy new shoes! Find shoes that fit properly. Look for quality orthopedic shoes that have wide toe areas and can allow for insertion of orthotic devices.
2. RICE! For foot pain, rest, elevate and ice your feet. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever.
3. Buy the right accessories! Purchase special padding for shoes to cushion the foot from pressure.
4. Try Physical therapy! Physical therapy can show you exercises that can improve joint mobility and decrease pain and swelling.
5. Find a podiatrist! See if your feet require special shoe inserts, orthopedic shoes or surgical correction.
It is not easy to live with bunions. This foot problem can be very painful and can sometimes limit a person’s activity level. If you suffer from this common health problem consider trying these tips to help improve your foot pain!
For more information about helping bunion pain and how to buy orthopedic shoes for women and men check out http://www.knowyoursugar.com
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