A bunion is a common foot deformity that many people have to deal with during their daily life. Some people don’t even get affected and lead a normal routine while others may show some symptoms such as pain and discomfort. It is a bony enlargement of the surrounding soft tissue around the big toe and the bone. The appearance of the foot is altered if you have this deformity. Some people start wearing covered shoes to hide this deformity. It has been observed that bunions in Bakersfield are commonly seen in women as well as the western countries.
Major causes of bunions
The main cause of this condition is the shoes. One study even revealed that the countries where people don’t wear shoes have fewer bunion cases. People, who wear shoes most of the time, are more susceptible to bunions. Apart from this, old age people also show getting bunions more often than young ones. Heredity can be considered one of the reasons. If someone in your family has developed this condition, you may get bunions in the coming years.
How to detect bunions
The most common symptom of bunions includes deformity of the foot. The big toe points towards the second toe, and the bone may look like it’s coming out from the base of the big toe. Sometimes it may cause pain when any pressure is applied on the big toe such as pointed shoes. In many cases, redness and hardness of the skin may show up if a person is getting a bunion. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested to get in touch with a podiatrist. He can observe and check the condition and figure out the treatment options for you.
How to treat bunions
The most common treatment is to change the shoes, which you have been wearing all these years. It is also a good idea to use a stretching device to make more room in your shoes. The feet must feel comfortable and relaxed without any pressure. The bunion pads are also available in the marketplace that can give padding to the affected areas.
If you have pain and swelling, ice packs and topical and oral medications can be used after consulting with a podiatrist. Massage and physical therapy can reduce inflammation and pain in the foot. If the condition worsens, your doctor may suggest surgery. Some people lead a normal life even if they have bunions; it depends on person to person.