Bunions: what are they, why do they appear and how to relieve pain

There are several causes for bunions to appear. While they can be prevented, once they appear they cause pain and a lot of discomfort. A visit to the podiatrist can help with a first diagnosis, but the specialist doctor to check a bunion is the orthopedist.

Treatment for a bunion can range from taking pain relievers, changing footwear, or, in some cases, requiring surgery. But the decision about the best way to relieve bunion pain should be made with your doctor. Except for surgery, no treatment makes the bunion go away.

What are bunions and how can I ease the pain?

A lump at the base of the outside of the big toe, is a symptom of the appearance of a bunion. In addition there is swelling, inflammation and therefore redness. This can range from mild pain and discomfort to the inability to walk normally.

If, in addition to the appearance of the bunion, the person has a previous arthritis problem, the pain is much more intense and the big toe is much more rigid and loses mobility. But what are bunions, why do they appear? How is pain from a bunion relieved?

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What are bunions

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe.. Although on some occasions it can also appear on the little toe. This deformity occurs in the joint of the bone and occurs when the big toe begins to deviate towards the next toe.

This deviation of the big toe ends up causing a deformation of the metatarsal bone, becoming so extreme as to cause overlap of the first two fingers. It is common in women over 40 years of age and its causes are not yet defined, but various reasons that could be involved in the appearance of bunions are being considered.

Why do bunions appear?

Bunions can appear due to hereditary factors, due to predisposition due to other types of conditions related to the feet and bones or due to bad habits developed many years ago.

It is important to know the possible causes that cause the appearance of bunions, especially to prevent its appearance or be attentive to any possible symptoms or changes that could aggravate the condition once a bunion has appeared.

1. Inheritance

One apparent cause of bunion development is genetic predisposition. The shape of the foot is inherited and for this reason over the years the same deviation can occur as that of one of the parents. It is common for those who suffer from bunions to have at least one relative who also has them.

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2. Congenital deformation

Another cause for bunions to appear is deformation. If from the moment of birth the foot has a deformation, it is said to be congenital. This alteration rarely causes problems during childhood and youth, being asymptomatic at these ages. It is in adulthood when they begin to cause pain and other problems.

3. Flatfoot

Flat feet can be one of the causes of the appearance of bunions. Although having flat feet does not mean that bunions will inevitably develop, seems to be one of the causes for many women. This is because when there is a flat foot, the big toe sticks out from the rest and remains pressed in the shoe for many years, until it generates a deviation.

4. Muscle imbalance

People who suffer from a condition that affects muscle tone tend to develop bunions. Among the series of consequences derived from certain types of paralysis, is the appearance of bunions. Although it does not cause pain, the choice of footwear becomes a bit more complex.

5. Rheumatoid arthritis

Having rheumatoid arthritis predisposes the joints of the foot to deformation. The most common of these bone disorders are bunions. Rheumatoid arthritis affects all joints in the body and if some precautionary measures are not taken, bunions can appear.

6. Unsuitable shoes

Wearing unsuitable shoes for a long time could lead to bunions. Although there are professionals who do not agree with this cause, it has been proven that a genetic predisposition or an antecedent can cause bunions, a process that is aggravated if too high heels or too narrow shoes are worn by many years.

How to relieve bunion pain?

When bunion pain or discomfort is uncomfortable, see a podiatrist or orthopedist. And is that sometimes bunions may not cause any discomfort, especially if they are very mild. In these cases there is nothing else to do, because beyond the aesthetic, they do not generate any problem.

But when there is pain and discomfort when walking, the specialist doctor must review and make the diagnosis, which in many cases does not require more than a basic examination. According to the inconvenience that refers to you, the doctor will decide a treatment or even decide if surgery is necessary.

1. Anti-inflammatories

A topical or oral anti-inflammatory may help relieve pain. While this will only take away the discomfort for a short time, it does at least provide temporary comfort before receiving medical care or treatment.

2. Change shoes

Proper footwear can ease the pain caused by bunions. It is required to be fully ergonomic and sized appropriately length and width to avoid pressure on the bunion, which at the same time will help stop the progression of deformation.

3. Templates

Using insoles is an option to alleviate bunion pain. Especially when it comes to cases of flat feet, Insoles help correct foot posture when walking, which helps relieve pressure on the bunion.

4. Rehabilitation exercises

When the bump is larger and causes a lot of discomfort, rehabilitation exercises may be recommended. Although this will not eliminate the bunion, it is possible to reduce inflammation and deviation, in addition to the use of appropriate inserts and shoes.

5. Surgery

If the pain is very severe and causes inability to walk, then surgery is the only option. Besides being the only way in which the bunion will be totally eliminated. Surgery is used only when the bunion causes the inability to carry on with normal life.

Bibliographic references

• Ferrari J. (2009). Bunions. BMJ clinical evidence, 2009, 1112.
• Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (2006). Bunions: Overview.