The bunions, medically known as Hallux Abductor Valgus (HAV), is a painful deformity of the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone of the foot. Where the long bone (metatarsal) points inward, creating a bump inside the big toe. This bump is known as a bunion.
Bunions are a condition in which the big toe becomes hard and misshapen due to calcium buildup. Pain, swelling, and deformity of the foot can occur due to a bunion.
If do not have proper treatment, bunions can not go away on their own and cause difficulties and significantly reduce life quality.
Causes of Bunions
There are some reasons considered as causes of this problem. Which include external and medical condition causes.
People who wear high heels, un-fitting or low quality shoes for a long period of time are at the highest risk of getting bunions. Mostly, shoes that are too tight,don’t support arches of the feet and toes can not move freely are main cause of problem
Shoes that are too narrow can put undue stress on the tiny ligaments that connect foot bones together, causing them to become hypermobile. This leads the first metatarsal bone to move out of place, and causes bunions
Genetics which run in families can also be reason of bunion
Bunions can be related with certain types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory types, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually and are often described as aching, swelling and tenderness near the big toe joint.
Red, bulging bumps on the outside of the base of your big toe are the most outstanding features of this condition,
Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain, and can result in a burning or cramping sensation. Sometimes the person with bunions can feel severe pain at the joint of the foot, especially towards the end of the day. Bunions can cause the joints to feel stiff and achy, which can be painful when you stand up.
Treatment
Wearing the correct toes -separator
Wearing the socks with toe separation
Wearing the right shoes: is the best way to get relief from pain and support your feet.
In severe cases, wearing shoes that are specifically designed to help treat bunions are necessary.
Added with wearing a night splint to keep the foot in the proper position,
Because a bunion brace will gently realign the joints of the foot, and support it function normally again.
Massaging the painful part of the foot can help to provide temporary relief from the symptoms of a bunion. Gently massage the foot in the evening, and again in the morning, prior to putting on the shoes of the day can reduce significantly pain . A foot massage therapist can recommend the best way to massage for getting relief from pain and inflammation.
Massaging the painful bunion can help to decrease stiffness and improve blood flow to the area.
Ice therapy is a common treatment for painful bunions. The cold numbs the area, which can reduce the pain and help to improve your gait and range of motion. This treatment is also helpful for other foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis. Apply a bag of ice to your foot for 20 minutes at a time, three times a day.
Cyclist with bunions
Cyclists with bunions often ride with pain, because their feet are the most important part connect with their bike. And their feet also absorb most of the vibrations from the road, which can lead to more pain and even more riding disruptions. Then choosing a comfortable shoes with wide toe box, bunions supports, heel cushions are the must be condition for a qualified riding.
You should consider to buy a built-in bunion shoes or bunion cushions to protect toe against shoe pressure and friction
Treatment for medical condition
You can apply these above treatment suggestions to get temporary relief from pain. However, you should contact with your doctor to have correct treatment for your specific case which concern with your arthritis.
Source Mayo clinic
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