Bunions (Hallux Valgus) – Common Foot Condition Myths & Facts

Bunions (Hallux Valgus) – commonly misunderstood, this foot condition affects the lives of millions & one of the most common foot problems in the world. Studies show that up one-third of adult Americans have bunion deformities or have had them. Though bunions are something that appears quite often in adults and we are here to get bunion myths & foot pain facts straight.

What Does a Bunion Look Like?

A bunion usually appears as a bump on the edge of the foot where the first metatarsal (the innermost bone in the foot) meets the big toe. People often think that this bone is usually a deformed bone or an extra bone growth, but it isn’t! a true bunion comes when the first metatarsal bone in your foot moves outward, creating a larger bump on the inside of the foot. The severity of the condition can vary significantly. Some of those living with Bunions have just a small bump near their big toe and no pain, while others may have a huge bump, loss of arch in the foot, and chronic foot pain. If you feel like you may have a bunion, come to Global Podiatry today and let us treat the pain before it gets even worse.

What Causes Bunions?

Have you been walking and feel a bump in your foot? Do you wonder if it is a bunion? How was it caused? Well, here are some of the main reasons for Bunions in the foot.

Inherited foot type

Unfortunately, this is something that you cannot control. It is common for bunions to form on those with flat feet. If your father or mother was known to have flat feet, there is a great deal of care to take to avoid bunions.

Foot stress or injuries

You are on your feet constantly, and they undergo a lot of stress. It is common for your feet to experience an injury, and even though the scrapes and bruises will heal, accidents or injuries can make you more susceptible to bunions. It is important that after an accident, you should see the experts at Global Podiatry to assess your situation and effectively treat it.

Deformities present at birth

Every person is unique in their own way, so not all people share this trait, but deformities in the foot present at birth can indeed make it more common for them to develop bunions. If you were born with a deformity on your foot or have a child that has, contact us, and we can find a way to ease the pain.

Small Facts About Bunions That Will Blow Your Mind

It is critical to know whether or not you are more likely to get bunions so that you can practice proper ways to avoid them. But unfortunately, they aren’t always easy or possible to avoid them, here are some facts about bunions:

Bunions are Largely Hereditary

When most hear about bunions, they think about those who wear tight narrow-toed shoes, but it actually is not the leading reason. Yes, shoes can, in fact, cause the bony bump on the base of your big toe? 100%. We know it may sound weird, but if your parents and or grandparents are around, ask to check out their big toe or ask if they have ever had bunions; if yes, you are most likely to get them one day too.

Gender Plays a Role

Bunions commonly affect women the most. That doesn’t mean that it affects only women, but they typically form when the pressure of weight-bearing and walking is unevenly spread across the foot. The result of this uneven distribution is often joint instability and deformity. The most common causes of joint instability are:

• Foot injuries
• Inherited foot types
• Congenital deformities present at birth
• Pronation in walking patterns
• Stress caused by an occupational-related hazard

High Heels Do Make a Huge Difference

It’s familiar to mistaken high heels for the basis of their bunions because of how they are structured. Shoes can indeed alter your feet’ shape and intensify pain; however, shoes are not likely to be the main cause of bunions. As we mentioned above, the culprit is, for the most part, hereditary.

Bunions Will Only Get Worse

We want to explain to you how important it is to get treatment for your bunions because they do not go away easily and only get worse. Due to the area where you will find bunions, you will be on them constantly when you walk; they will be rubbing up against your socks and your shoes every day until you come to Global Podiatry. It is crucial to take action now and prevent chronic bunion pain in the future. The larger the bunion gets, the more painful it will be and the more difficulty you will have trying to find comfortable shoes that fit well.

Bunions Involve More than Just the Big Toe

This particular condition is more a joint problem than a toe problem. Through attrition, injury, or existing conditions regarding the shape of the feet, the joint at the bottom of your big toe shifts out of place. Getting worse overtime Here’s a common situation: the joint swells and causes your big toe to point inward, putting pressure on your other toes. Now there’s a conflict between your big toe and your smaller toes, which can result in corns and calluses.

Bunion Treatment Plans

• Taking constant breaks
• Putting ice packs on the affected area
• Orthotics
• Proper fitting shoes
• Medications

Global Podiatry Bunion Treatment Clinics in Chicago & Wheeling IL

However, surgery is one of the only options that fully gets rid of the bunion and makes sure it stays away. Our clinic has a variety of foot and ankle surgery options that we will be more than happy to talk to you about. Once we complete an examination to understand your unique condition, we will guide and recommend you in the best course of action to take. Contact Global Podiatry today for bunion treatment services in Chicago & Wheeling, Illinois.