Warning Signs of Bunions and Best Treatment Options

A bunion is a sensitive and disturbing bump that forms on the side of one of the big toes on your feet. Bunions usually form when the bones in the foot are not evenly positioned. When this happens, over time, the big toe bone will rotate away from other bones making the foot appear larger. The big joint will then bend toward the other toes forcing the bunion to appear on this joint. When the rotation of this joint becomes too severe, the second toe will eventually overlap the big toe.

Bunions are one of the most common forms of foot deformity; they affect 1 out of 3 Americans. So when you think you have a bunion, keep reading this article for telltale signs of how to identify them, how to treat them, and when it is time to see a professional!

Bunion Warning Signs & Treatment Options

One of the easiest ways to tell whether or not you have a bunion is the shape of the base joint on your big toe. Though this is one of the most common signs that you could be developing a bunion, there are many more. Some of the main signs and symptoms of bunions are:

• Pain or soreness on the base of the big toe that is persistent and won’t go away.
• Red, raised skin over the joint of the big toe that may feel warm when you touch it.
• Numbness and loss of feeling in the toe when you are walking.
• Enlargement or distortion of the big toe that points towards other toes.

These symptoms may become more prominent when you wear shoes that are uncomfortable and or fit your feet poorly. Any shoes that suffocate your toes and push them together will aggravate them and lead to the development of bunions. This is one of the reasons women who wear heels constantly are more likely to develop bunions.

Easy Ways to Prevent and Treat Bunions

Constant check-ups with a professional podiatrist, especially at Global Podiatry, is always the best way to prevent and treat bunions. But, when you want to prevent or treat the seemingly endless pain and suffering of bunions, here are a few things you can do:

Ask Your Podiatrist About Orthotics

Orthotics from a certified podiatrist will relieve the pressure that is put on bunions when walking and running. You can buy orthotics at your local drug store, but they do not provide the same amount of support and comfort as custom orthotics at Global Podiatry. Ask your foot and ankle professional about custom orthotics during your next visit!

Soak Your Feet in Warm Water

We are sure that you have heard about this trick before and there is a reason why! Soaking your feet in warm water helps reduce joint stiffness. Daily soaking, once in the morning and once in the evening, will prevent stiffness and alleviate pain caused by bunions.

Avoid Tight Fitting Shoes

Your feet will thank you when you decide to put on shoes that properly fit your feet and have wide soles. When you purchase your shoes, make sure that your toes have a sufficient amount of room and aren’t pressed against each other.

Reduce Swelling with a Cold Press or an Ice Pack

When you are searching for a way to make wearing your shoes and walking without discomfort easier, use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Place the pack or cold press on the toe(s) your bunion is affecting for 15 minutes. Don’t leave it on for longer and move it around to avoid frostbite.

Lose Weight

People who are overweight and are putting extensive pressure on their toes are at more of a risk of developing bunions. Losing and maintaining a healthy weight will reduce pressure and pain caused by bunions.

Stretch Your Feet

Understandably you won’t feel like exercising, during moments of bunion pain, however it is important that you try. Take advantage of days where the pain isn’t as prominent and stretch your feet. Some stretches that are beneficial when suffering from bunions are:

• Pull your big toe to the correct position with your hands and hold it for 10 seconds.
• Press all of your toes gently against the wall
• Point your toes straight for 5 seconds and then curl them for another 5 seconds.

Every person’s bunions are unique, so you should seek customized, one-on-one advice from a specialist at Global Podiatry. To discuss how you can make living with bunions easier or options to remove them, schedule an appointment with us and take your next steps to pain relief today!

Are You Likely to Develop Bunions?

As we mentioned earlier, bunions are common, and there are several risk factors that will help you predict whether you have a chance of developing them.

1. Age: As you get older, the more likely you are to develop bunions
2. Genetics: If you have parents, siblings, or grandparents with bunions, the more likely you are to develop them in the future.
3. Arthritis- Those with Rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop arthritis, even if they don’t have any symptoms yet.

Contact Global Podiatry For Bunion Treatment in Chicago

Without treatment, bunions will lead to intolerable pain that will negatively affect your overall health and day-to-day activities. If left untreated, bunions can lead to bursitis, hammertoe, or metatarsalgia. Don’t let bunions run your life, and book an appointment with the foot care and ankle specialists in Wheeling & Chicago, IL at Global Podiatry. Stop bunion development in its tracks and explore all of the options you have when it comes to bunions.