If you have a bunion, you understand how uncomfortable they can be. These bumps grow at the big toe’s base once the very first metatarsal bone extends outward and the big toe turns inward. Thus, your joint protrudes to the side, causing a condition known as hallux valgus. Some persons, especially women, have a genetic propensity to have bunions. Donning pointy, tight-fitting shoes is not going to help. At Precision Footcare, certified podiatrist specialist John Jurcisin, DPM, could assist you in managing bunions in New York before they become a long-term health concern. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to arrange an appointment to find out more.
v Disrupted Foot Function
Bunions take a long time to develop. However, if they grow in size, they could have a significant impact on how your foot functions. At the base of your big toe, you may notice redness, tenderness, inflammation, and discomfort, which can spread to the ball of your foot.
Your bunions may exert strain on other toes, causing problems such as corns or hammertoes. You could also have calluses and ingrown toenails on the bottom of your feet.
Continually changing your weight to relieve the pressure on the irritated joint might result in metatarsalgia, which is severe discomfort in the ball of the foot. Certain shoes could be unpleasant for you because they exert pressure on your bunion; thus, causing discomfort while walking.
v Dysfunction of the Gait
Although the big toe is a little portion of your body, it plays an essential part in maintaining balance and a normal stride. How your foot touches the ground and how you spread your weight changes as your bunion develops. For this reason, it could create issues that spread to the kinetic chain, including your hips and knees. Bunions could also knock you off balance and lead you to fall, which is particularly risky for the elderly.
v Enjoying A Sedentary Lifestyle
Bunions could make it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle since walking, and other activities that exert strain on your feet are excruciatingly painful. Bunions are more likely to grow as you age- a period when you can profit significantly from the health advantages of physical activity.
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you are more likely to acquire weight and chronic illnesses. You are also more susceptible to depression. Extreme bunions could hurt one’s life quality, rendering even routine tasks like going to the shop uncomfortable.
v Foot Arthritis
Bunions increase your chances of having arthritis in your big toe joint. As a result of the joint being misaligned, the friction between your bones is abnormal, causing cartilage damage. Once the cartilage begins wearing and eventually wears off, bone-to-bone discomfort arises in swelling and stiffness linked to arthritis.
At Precision Footcare, the podiatric specialists begin with the most conservative treatment options, such as taping and cushioning to alleviate discomfort. Physical therapy and medications could also alleviate bunion swelling and pain. A tailored orthotic plan can also assist with the side effects of misaligned foot and gait strikes.
If conservative options fail to provide relief or your bunions are severe, your podiatrist may recommend surgery (bunionectomy) to eliminate the bony growth.
If you are starting to develop a bunion, do not wait till it is so severe that surgery is your only alternative. Correct management and treatment at Precision Footcare could assist you in achieving complete relief. Arrange an appointment through mobile or book online today.