Approximately ten to twenty-five percent of the population will develop a painful condition of the foot that is commonly referred to as a bunion. A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the toe, in the joint area. The big toe will usually start to point toward the smaller toes of the foot, causing the joint to get out of alignment. The base of the joint will become enlarged and inflamed. If uncorrected, this problem will continue to get worse.
As a bunion progresses, the area will become red, swollen, and very painful. Sometimes, a fluid-filled sac will form that further adds to the pain, swelling, and discomfort. In some individuals, arthritis will also develop in the affected area. People who suffer from bunions often report that it is very painful to walk. Putting on certain types of shoes will hurt. The foot will have a deformed appearance in the affected area.
The exact cause of bunions is unknown. Often, the tendency to develop a bunion is genetic. The abnormal functioning of the structure of the foot can result in a bunion. Sometimes, bunions will form in people who have one leg that is slightly longer than the other. People who continuously wear tight, pointed shoes may develop a bunion as the pressure of bearing the body’s weight falls squarely on the joint of the big toe. In some cases, the cause is never truly determined. No matter the cause, bunions are known to be extremely painful to the sufferer. Injections of cortisone into the area will help some individuals. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can assist with the pain. Sometimes, however, the best course of action to get rid of this painful issue is through Bunion Surgery.
Individuals who are interested in learning more about Bunion Surgery are advised to schedule a professional consultation with the Foot & Ankle Specialists of NJ. Sometimes, loosening or tightening ligaments and tendons in the big toe will correct the problem. In other cases, a removal of the bump, along with a realignment of the toe, is indicated. Occasionally, the joint will be completely removed and replaced. Patients will need to consult a qualified surgeon who can provides them with an appropriate plan tailored to their specific needs. You can olso follow them on Twitter!
