Over 20% of men and women aged 18 to 65 and over 35% of men and women aged 65 and older have bunions. Besides age, several other variables could increase the likelihood of developing bunions. Luckily, the podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Specialists can help eliminate your bunions. The Woodlands bunions specialists offer a range of non-invasive procedures to ease your discomfort and pain and surgery to eliminate troublesome growth. Continue reading to learn what bunions are, the risk factors for this concern, and what care solutions are available.
What Exactly Is A Bunion?
The clinical term for a bunion is hallux valgus, which refers to a malformation of your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The MTP joint is located at the bottom of your big toe. Once you develop a bunion, a bony bump develops on this joint, and the toe starts growing inward. Bunions grow in response to an irregular foot structure caused by heredity, pressure on your foot, or an illness like arthritis.
When To See A Physician For Your Bunions?
Bunions typically do not necessitate expert care. Nonetheless, if you have bunions, you should consult a specialist if you experience:
- Chronic discomfort in the big toe or foot
- Reduced mobility in your foot or big toe
- A prominent bump on the big toe joint
- Difficulty finding appropriately fitting shoes
What Factors Raise Your Likelihood Of Developing Bunions?
The actual cause of bunions is typically unknown. Nevertheless, the following risk factors are associated with the condition:
v Improperly Fitting Shoes
Inappropriate footwear, like high heels, might initiate the formation of a bunion. High heels are particularly harmful since they put the wearer’s weight onto the front of the foot. If you are predisposed to develop bunions, wearing heels will exacerbate your risk.
If you are concerned about bunions, your best option in terms of footwear is to select shoes with a spacious toe box. You should also ensure that your shoes have a wide, flexible sole that is not over an inch high.
v Occupation
If your occupation demands that you have long-standing hours, you are more likely to develop bunions. Likewise, due to the immense stress placed on their feet, ballet dancers are especially prone to acquiring bunions.
v Genetics
Genetics is the greatest risk factor for acquiring bunions. The structure and shape of your foot play a significant role in determining if you acquire bunions. For instance, persons with flat feet or low arches are more likely to develop bunions.
Moreover, if a sibling, parent, or close relative has bunions, your likelihood of developing them significantly increases. Nevertheless, if you take precautions, like not wearing heels, you can manage this risk factor.
What Are The Treatment Options For Bunions?
The podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Specialists will begin by assessing your bunion to determine whether it is severe enough to require surgery or could be corrected with conservative measures. For mild to moderate bunions, your provider will suggest conservative solutions like custom-made footwear, orthotics, and padding. Additionally, your doctor can offer a splint to straighten your toe. If conservative treatments fail, surgery effectively eliminates the bunions and realigns the affected toe.
Bunions hardly resolve by themselves. Whether developing slowly or rapidly, this growth will worsen, eventually causing complications like chronic pain and arthritis. Therefore, you should always seek immediate care at Foot and Ankle Specialists once you identify a bunion. Schedule a consultation through mobile or book online to discuss your concerns and explore your care options.
