Essential Things You Should Know About Bunion Treatment
Do you have a deformity on your big toe, and it has rotated sideways towards the second toe, or have a bump on the inner part of the foot? This foot issue is called a bunion, and it occurs due to complex biomechanical alterations that occur in the feet.
Tight-fitting shoes are the primary cause of this problem, as well as shoes with tight-toe boxes. The prolonged use of such shoes forces the toes to adapt to another position, leading to this deformity. Foot injuries and genetics can also cause bunion development.
When the bunion becomes prominent, you will start experiencing pain, which will make your life uncomfortable, so you will need to consider bunion treatment. Here are the basic things you should know to make an informed decision.
How Are Bunions Treated?
There are various techniques for bunion treatment, so the best option will depend on your specific requirements or the condition of the foot. Some treatments entail using home remedies to minimize the swelling like soaking the feet, ice application on the inflamed area, avoiding high heels, or wearing wide shoes. A foot expert may also discuss treatment options like using bunion braces or pads, anti-inflammatory medication, shaving the callus, and surgery.
Is It Advisable to See a Podiatrist?
If you wish to focus on non-invasive treatment, you can visit a podiatrist. The first thing they will do is examine the condition of your feet and use various treatment tools to alleviate the pain and inflammation. As the inflammation and pain settle, this expert will focus on restoring the foot joint's muscle length and range of motion.
They may use joint alignment and mobilization methods, joint and muscle stretches, massage, and taping. Once this is done, they will restore muscle strength and control, reinstate the toe's full function (you can walk or run comfortably), and share tips to prevent a recurrence.
What About Bunion Surgery?
Usually, non-invasive bunion treatment options like orthotics for foot support, consulting a podiatrist, using a tape or brace for foot movement control, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs are effective.
However, if the bunion deformity is advanced and the foot professionals confirm that conservative treatment may not work, you will need surgery. The surgeon will cut a section from the bone to perform alignment correction. You have to get the best surgeon who has performed this procedure before.
Remember that bunion surgery should be the last treatment to consider, not the first. Thus, work with your foot doctor or podiatrist to determine if the conservative methods will work before trying surgery.
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