Quantcast
Channel: Advanced Podiatry Associates of the Hudson Valley » ankle surgery
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 4

Diagnosing and Caring for Your Bunions

0
0

Learn about the diagnosis of bunions and what to do to resolve this pesky, painful foot problem. 

 

Is your fun in the sun being rudely interrupted by foot and toe pain? If so, you may have a bunion. Unfortunately, bunions are quite common due to a large list of risk factors and stressors.  But what is a bunion, exactly?

According to Mount Sinai Hospital a bunion is “a thickened lump at the base of the big toe. It is the result of the movement of the base of the big toe away from the smaller toes. At the same time, the top of the big toe moves toward the smaller toes. This instability creates metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint inflammation and bursitis at the base of the big toe.”

 

bunion
If that didn’t sound painful enough there are also bunionettes (also called tailor’s bunions) that can develop in the base of the small toes. A bunionette, or tailor’s bunion, is one that develops at the base of the little toe.  According to WebMD,  bunionettes are caused “when the long bone that connects to the toe (metatarsal) bends away from the foot, the little toe bends inward and the joint swells or enlarges.”

The exact cause of bunions are still unknown, however, there is a long list of risk factors:

  • Structural deformities in the foot (can be genetic or caused by hammer toe)
  • Abnormal foot development
  • Family history of foot disorders
  • Cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Previous foot injury
  • Loose ligaments in the foot
  • Flat feet (this puts too much weight on the MTP joint)
  • Activities that but large amounts of stress on the foot (i.e. ballet)
  • High-heel shoes
  • Narrow shoes/shoes that are too tight

 

Women are more likely to develop bunions than men.

 

The diagnosis of bunions can be made by a simple X-ray of the foot.

You may have a bunion(s) if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Foot pain and stiffness
  • Bump on the at the bottom of the big toe or on the outside of foot
  • Big toe that turns toward other toes-could overlap the second or third toe
  • Restricted/painful motion of the big toe
  • Cyst between the skin and bony lump that is filled with fluid

 

levels of bunion

 

 If you have diabetes and are having foot issues you should seek medical attention promptly.

 

Do you need surgery?

“If the joint is painful and interferes with walking, physical activities and regular exercise, non-operative treatments should be considered first,” said James Thomas, DPM, FACFAS, a co-author of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons guidelines to foot and ankle surgery and a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon in Birmingham, Ala.

If non-operative treatments fail, however, there are over 100 bunion surgeries to choose from.  Be sure to talk to your podiatrist to find which procedure best fits your case.

 

Call or visit Advanced Podiatry Associates of the Hudson Valley

to learn more about bunions and all other foot-related ailments.

Sources:

PRnewswire (June 30, 2015). “American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Releases New Guidelines On Toe-Joint Disorders.” Retrieved 6/24/15 from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-college-of-foot-and-ankle-surgeons-releases-new-guidelines-on-toe-joint-disorders-71432597.html

WebMD. “Bunions directory.” Retrieved 6/26/15 from http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/bunions-directory

Mount Sinai Hospital. “Bunion information.” Retrieved 6/26/15 from http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/bunion

Photo source: Retrieved 6/26/15 http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/bunion

Photo source: Retrieved 6/26/15 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/10-most-common-bunion-surgery-questions_b_6747892.html

FacebookTwitterGoogle+RedditLinkedInPinterestDeliciousYahoo BookmarksStumbleUponDiggShare


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 4

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images