Bunions: Symptoms Triggers Treatments And Cures
Relief can be had from Bunions, or Tailor’s Bunions
A Bunion is a common condition that is routinely treated by Podiatrists. There are many ways to address the pain and discomfort it causes, and there are some steps you can take that may help to slow or stop its progression.
First you should identify what stage your bunion is at, and then determine what has triggered it. From there you can proceed to find the right treatment to alleviate it. You may just be in need of wider, more comfortable shoes, or maybe a pair of shoes with lower heels to reduce the increased pressure on the toe joints at the balls of the feet. But it is always best to address the situation sooner, rather than later.
In the early stages, you may find that just a visit to your local Podiatrist is all that is warranted. But if the bunion has gotten to an extreme stage, a surgical option may be the best, or only, course of action for you to take.
Contact Northwest Surgery Center Today
If you are suffering from bunions, dont rely on bunion corrector sandals to temporarily solve the problem or undergo painful surgery that will take months to recover from. Contact Northwest Surgery Center today to schedule a free consultation to learn about what minimally invasive bunion surgery can do for you.
Invest In Comfortable Shoes That Are The Right Size And Fit
Choosing the right footwear can help prevent bunions. But once a bunion is formed, there are certain things you should look for in a shoe.
The best shoes for bunions
The best shoes for bunions have a few key features:
- A wide toe box to give your toes enough space. This helps make sure your toes arent squished or rubbing together, which can lead to more pain and bunion problems.
- A firm, yet cushioned sole to give you comfort and support.
- No heel or a low heel to reduce pressure on your toes and bunion.
Everyday shoe brands like New Balance, Nike, Birkenstock and Naturalizer have several styles that have all these features. But there are also shoe brands like Sole Bliss that specifically design shoes for people with bunions.
Every shoe brand is different, so when you go shopping try on different shoe styles. This will help you see how different shoes feel and fit around your bunion.
Custom orthotics to treat bunion pain
You can find orthotic shoe inserts at pretty much any drug store. And they can be a good starting point for giving your feet more cushion and support. If those arent enough, specialty shoe stores often sell their own inserts, which can be more effective.
But if youre still having trouble finding the right fit or theyre not as effective as they once were, custom orthotics may be the next step and thats where a podiatrist can help.
Custom orthotics are specially made for your feet to give you greater support, balance and bunion relief.
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Throbbing Bunion Pain At Night
Throbbing bunion pain at night is a common occurrence.
It is interesting to note that bunion pain can be felt even when you are not wearing your shoes. Some people with this condition have complained about throbbing bunion pain being felt at night, after they had removed their shoes. When a bunion reaches this stage, it has become something that is hard to dismiss or ignore. Steps should already be taken by this stage, to prevent the further progression of a bunion.
Zentoes Bunion Corrector And Bunion Relief Sleeve With Gel Bunion Pads
Dr. Shah doesnt recommend splint-like devices to correct bunions. Instead, she suggests products with padding and coverings to help with bunion symptoms. One of those is a bunion pad. With the addition of a compression sleeve, this padding can aid with some soft tissue swelling, which may occur from the constant rubbing of the bump in the shoe, she says.
This product is lightweight enough to wear when youre out and about, and its washable so you can reuse it.
Your Complete Guide to Bunions
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Do Bunion Correctors Work
No. Bunion correctors do not correct bunions. Heres why:
- Bunion correctors only address the symptoms of bunions. They do not address the causes.
- Bunion correctors make it look like youre correcting your bunion because youre forcing the big toe back to where it should be naturally, but this wont affect the reason your bunion has formed.
The causes of bunions are inside your foot. Bunions form because ligaments, tendons, and muscles have lost their delicate balance. The only way to re-establish that balance is by re-positioning those ligaments, tendons, and muscles, then re-aligning the big toe joint.
Companies who sell bunion correctors will tell you how effective they are. Theyll claim that if it doesnt work as described, you must not be using it right. Dont believe them.
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There Are Two Types Of Bunion Surgery: Conventional And Minimally Invasive Lets Look At The Similarities And Differences Between These Two Procedures
Conventional Bunion Surgery
- Often described as one of the most painful surgeries
- Primary recovery is 6 to 8 weeks
- Secondary recovery is 4 to 8 months
- Wear a boot or cast for at least 2 weeks
- Dont get your stitches wet for at least 2 weeks
- Stay off your feet and ice it for at least 2 weeks
- No driving for up to two weeks
- Feet might remain swollen for several months
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
- WALK out of the operation
- Resume your daily life immediately without interruption
- No screws, plates, or wires
- Local anesthetic
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The Best Shoes For Bunions
When it comes to choosing the best shoes, or work boots, to wear with painful bunions, there is one universal thing that is important to do. Before you make your footwear selection, you should have your feet professionally measured at a local shoe store.
It is not commonly known, but most people have one foot slightly bigger, or longer, than the other. It is also normal for feet to change over time, due to weight gain or loss, foot injuries, pregnancy, as well when foot arches drop as we age. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the proper size and width of your feet, as well as have your arches measured, at the time you will be buying your footwear.
Being measured by a trained footwear professional is the most accurate method of measuring your feet. They will take into account, not only the length and width of both of your feet, but your arch’s height and length as well.
What Causes A Bunion
While theres no singular cause of bunions, research has found a definite genetic link. One study published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, for instance, found that several foot disorders, including bunions, appear to be inherited. Because genetics plays such a big role in the development of bunions, theres a good chance youll have bunions if either of your parents do.
Certain inherited factors, like a short Achilles tendon, short calf muscles, weak connective tissue, or a joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also increase your risk for bunions, according to a report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Bunions are also likely to be caused by the structure of your foot, adds Dr. Shah. Patients with a flat foot type are more prone to bunions due to the way the intrinsic muscles are working to compensate while walking.
And while poorly fitting shoes have received a lot of the blame in bunion formation, theyre less likely to be an underlying cause. Instead, experts think certain shoes may make bunions occur earlier or get worse faster.
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Do Bunion Corrector Sandals Work Long
Bunions can range from mildly painful to completely debilitating, so it is only natural to search for the best ways to relieve bunion pain. Bunion corrector sandals are a popular choice, as they help align the big toe or pinky toe and relieve pressure on the bunion itself. Because bunions tend to make the big toe bend towards the toe next to it, sandals that create space between those toes can be beneficial at reducing pain and ensuring that the bunion does not become more irritated. While bunion corrector sandals can help relieve pain temporarily, they typically do not work long-term. Here is a closer look at why that is the case:
Best Work Boots For Men With Bunions
Our expert advice for men is to simply choose wider fitting boots that provide more room in the toe box area. This will allow a little extra space around the affected toe joints when feet begin to swell at the end of the workday.
American-crafted boots have a wider toe box than imported styles would have. This is because USA Made work boots are shaped around a boot last that is realistically tailored after a real American worker’s foot. We recommend the following brands that make a line of American Made styles: Chippewa Boots and Danner Boots
The Carolina Shoe Company also makes American Made Boots, which have a more generous fit in the toe box area of their regular width boots than most other brands do. This may help prevent the need to go into a wider width work boot, which may wind up being too loose overall. If the fit of a boot is way too big, the foot will slide around too much, causing bunions to be shoved painfully up against the walls of the boots as you stoop down, run or walk.
Keen Utility Boots have a 30-day Comfort Guarantee. You can wear them right into the workplace and put them to the test for a full month to make sure that they feel great with your bunions.
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Dr Fredericks Original Nighttime Bunion Splints
This Dr. Fredericks bunion splint is designed to be used through the night, which is one of the reasons why Dr. Sutera recommends it to her patients with mild to moderate bunions.
It is specifically designed to stay in place while you rest to realign the toe and ease the pressure placed on your bunion. It may also help reduce next-morning inflammation and pain.
via amazon.com
Do Bunion Correctors And Protectors Really Work
That lumpy bone sticking out from your big toe will sometimes have people wondering why your foot looks the way it does, even moreso if your big toe begins to overlap your other toes.
Hallux valgus, more commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity of the big toes base joint. It can look unpleasent but more importantly, it can feel discomforting and outright painful at worse.
Despite the exact cause of a bunion has not yet been discovered, fortunately there are several forms of treatments for it ranging from low-cost and easy options to expensive surgery which is usually reserved for more severe cases.
For now, well focus on one of the most popular and lowest cost options the bunion corrector, also known as a bunion splint, separator and in some cases, it will also serve as a bunion protector.
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Home Treatments For Bunions
The following treatments may help bring relief to your bunions:
- Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, such as Ibuprofen
- Orthotic Footwear
- Proper Fitting Footwear – with a Wide Toe Box
You should always try to forestall the progression of a bunion’s condition, which might otherwise lead to the more severe step of bone surgery.
Can Bunions Be Prevented
While the likelihood of developing bunions can be increased due to wearing shoes with tight toe boxes and high heels, certain individuals who never wear these types of shoes can still develop bunions as a result of genetics or other health conditions.
You can lower your risk of developing bunions by wearing comfortable, flat shoes that dont squeeze your toes.
Walking barefoot is also recommended, as this strengthens the foot muscles and allows the toes to sit in their most natural position.
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Expert Advice To Find The Best Footwear For Bunions
If you suffer with Bunions, your footwear should be chosen very carefully.
Choosing the best shoes for bunions starts with getting just the right fit for your feet. Stop in a local shoe store that can professionally measure both of your feet with an old-world Brannock-style device. Knowing your accurate foot size is an important first step to finding a comfortable fit.
A Brannock will accurately measure the size, width and arch length of both of your feet.
To determine the best shoes, work boots, or sandals for bunions, take into account the shoe wall’s structure, paying close attention to its pressure points. Opt for footwear that has stretch or mesh panels around the area of a bunion that can flex as you walk, rather than firmer leather panels that would be painfully binding.
The best footwear for bunions are also ones that provide ample room around the affected, inflamed, or enlarged joint areas. They should feel comfortable when walking and standing for long periods of time.
Shoes, Boots and Sandals with a low heel will greatly reduce the body’s weight from being pushed down deep into the toe boxes of the shoes. The footwear that you wear should not feel restrictive in the area around the balls of the feet and should not confine the toes in any way.
Povihome Bunion Cushion And Protector
This product is made of durable silicone, which is washable and reusable, says Dr. Sutera. In addition to the toe spacer, it also has a shield for the side of the toe joint that pads the area against shoes.
The toe spacer moves the big toe into alignment, relieving pain while worn. Dr. Sutera suggests that people with mild or moderate bunions wear the gadget with shoes during the day or at night. At $10 for a pack of eight, this is a cost-effective treatment for bunion pain.
via amazon.com
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What Is A Tailor’s Bunion
A Tailor’s Bunion is a smaller version of a traditional bunion.
However, instead of affecting the base joint of the largest toe, it develops at the base joint of the smallest toe, on the outside of the foot. This joint is the 5th Metatarsal’s joint, which is located at the base of the littlest toe, commonly called the pinky toe.
The Best Women’s Shoes For Bunions
Women can choose from a variety of shoe styles to help provide relief from bunions, while standing, walking or running. Look for shoes with the following features:
- Wide-Width Footwear to reduce rubbing and friction on the toe joints
- Asymmetrical Toe Boxes with a natural, non-binding fit and adequate room around the largest toes
- Soft Interior Linings to help cradle inflamed joints
- Flexible Stretchy Uppers that gently expand around the foot as you walk
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Can Bunions Go Away
If these conservative treatments dont provide relief, the next step is to see a professional. When the bunion starts causing pain that impacts activities of your daily life, like walking or running, many conventional podiatrists will recommend surgery as a next step.
There are many types of bunion surgeries, but in most cases, the operation involves shaving back the big toe and severing the adductor hallucis muscle between your big toe and the next toe. Full recovery can take several months to a year, depending on the exact procedure, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons .
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association , a bunionectomy, which removes the bony prominence, is used for the less severe deformity. If a bunion is more severe, a surgery which involves cutting the bone and realigning the joint may be necessary. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, recovery times will vary and you may need to wear a brace or dressing for six to eight weeks.
During the 15 years he spent as a podiatrist, McClanahan performed hundreds of bunionectomies. What he saw is that surgery is not a permanent solution. If a runner had surgery and went back to running in the same type of running shoe they had before the surgery, their bunion would come back, he says. Thats because their big toes were still being held in a partially dislocated position.
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How we can help you avoid surgery for your bunion:
- Help to diagnose the underlying cause in your bunion assessment
- Treat the underlying cause of your bunion
- Avoid Bunion Surgery
- Keep you doing the things you love
So whats the process?
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Orthotics And Other Devices
To take pressure off a bunion, over-the-counter or custom-made shoe inserts are beneficial. Also, toe spacers can be placed between your toes. In severe cases, a splint worn at night may help to place the big toe in a straighter position possibly relieving pain. It is best to seek the advice of a qualified health professional for orthotics because the wrong product could make matters worse.
