What Is Bunion And How Do Podiatry Treat The Condition?

The sight of bunions is disliked, but the case is categorized as a cosmetic issue. Those who have developed bunions, they undergo pain and some disparaged physical functionality. Even it affects general health, social functionalities, and mental calmness. Even footwear is limited as the bunions lessen the social as well as physical activities. Whenever a person develops the bunions, they make sure to take podiatry treatment for immediate relief. 

The scientific name is hallux valgus. The joint's inner portion at the big toe's base enlarges can cause the bunion that is caused by the big toe joint’s misalignment. Often inflammation causes additional bone growth and gives rise to enlargement. The misalignment makes the big toe point outwards but towards the remaining smaller toes.  

Bunion symptoms are noticed when the joint becomes inflamed with tenderness, redness, and pains. The reasons are because of the small fluid-filled sac known as the burs that are adjacent to the joint which even becomes inflamed. Such a condition is called bursitis. 

In the later stages of this deformity, the person could feel deeper joint pain in case localized arthritis occurs and develops.

The pains caused by the bunions leave behind an impact on the exercising abilities that in turn cause discomfort in mental and physical health. At the same time, it affects the self- image. The patients feel discomfort to keep their feet bare, as they do not want anyone to take notice of their feet.

Although men are even affected by the deformity, yet the women and aged people have a higher potentiality to be affected by bunions. 

Be careful to consult the Podiatry in Perth to receive treatment on time. 

Of all the other factors, the genetic component is one of its factors. Faulty foot structures cause the bunions, like developing flat feet, abnormal bone structures, and exceeding flexible ligaments.  

A study on Framingham Foot Study has even revealed that wearing too narrow or high-heeled shoes for long periods are most likely to cause the bunions in women.

Though the podiatrists do not operate all the bunions, yet they recommend conservative treatment at the very beginning. If the conservative treatment needs a further extension, then surgery is necessary.  

After the conservative treatment when you are cannot walk for more than just a few steps, and rest and medication does not heal the pain and swelling, then you have to get surgery from the podiatrists in Perth. 

If the deformity becomes severe then, it will need an extended surgical procedure. The podiatrists know the surgical techniques and you should consult them for surgery. 

The process of removing the inflamed fluid sac formed in between the bone and skin is said to be Bunionectomy. On the other hand, the osteotomy is the process whereby the metatarsal or the big bone in the affected toe is repositioned. The podiatrists keep the repositioned bone held in place using wires, metal plates, and screws. But in severe cases, they use an artificial joint for replacing the existing joints damaged badly; this procedure is termed as arthrodesis.  

You have to be careful regarding your footwear choice. Flat shoes are supportive as these provide a lot of width for the toes to rest. Orthotics is even a good choice for keeping the condition easy.

The podiatrists often recommend certain exercises for treating bunion symptoms. You might have to remain barefoot and walk around as it helps to activate the muscles present in big toe joints.

Anti-inflammatory medication is really helpful and the podiatrists apply the steroid injections like cortisone for reducing the inflammation and temporarily relieve the pain. They even advise on caution that the side effects are minimal if used at high doses frequently.  

Keeping your body weight under control helps to reduce the pressure on foot joints.

When you use the over the counter pads, then it is much useful for relieving the pressure on the bunions. 

Bunions still mild to moderate are treated with innovative minimally invasive surgical podiatry methods to gain positive results. The treatment is advantageous as healing is faster while scarring is sufficiently decreased. The tissues crossing the big toe joints are saved from being damaged, hence after the surgery, the joint will face no stiffness. So, consulting the expert podiatrists is a must for proper treatment. 

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