Everybody wants to look good in a pair of shoes, but sometimes our favorite pair isn’t exactly a perfect fit for our feet. If people constantly wear ill-fitting shoes, it puts your feet in a continual state of stress. Over time, the stress can damage the joints in your toes, and it is especially common in your big toe. If the joint that connects your big toe to your foot becomes sore, swollen or crooked, you may have what’s known as a bunion. Below, we’ll examine the signs, symptoms and diagnosis of a bunion.
My toe looks crooked
Did you know that more than half of American women suffer from bunions? In fact, nine out of ten individuals who suffer from bunions are female. So what causes a bunion to develop?
- Small, tight fitting shoes that compress the toes. Pointed shoes are notoriously known for causing bunions.
- Genetics. Feel free to blame your mother if she passed her bunions down to you.
- Foot injuries, like breaks or sprains, can lead to the development of bunions.
Symptoms of Bunions
When a bunion develops, the joint in your big toe gets larger and begins to protrude to the side. This can make it difficult to fit into shoes, which can exacerbate the problem. If your big toe gets severely out of line, it can actually push the rest of the toes on your foot out of alignment. This pressure can push your second toe towards your middle toe, sometimes causing it to overlap.
For these reasons and many more, it’s important to recognize the early symptoms of bunions so you can fix the problem before it gets worse. Some of the symptoms of bunions include:
- Crooked, enlarged joint connecting to the big toe.
- The area around the joint may be red and tender.
- Wearing any type of shoe may be painful or uncomfortable.
- Inflammation in the joint.
When left untreated, bunions will gradually make it more painful to walk or wear shoes. It can also lead to the development of arthritis in your feet.
If you’re diagnosed with a bunion
As with any disease, prevention is the best way to minimize your likelihood of developing a bunion. Always wear shoes that fit comfortably, and avoid shoes that are tipped or pointed. If you are diagnosed with a bunion, oftentimes surgery can be avoided.
The first step in fixing your bunion is to find shoes that don’t make the problem worse. Head to your local shoe store and find a pair that doesn’t compact your foot when you walk. You can also have your current shoes stretched at a footwear or shoe repair shop, so you don’t need to throw away your favorite pair of tennis shoes.
Another way to alleviate the pain caused by bunions is by getting extra padding or cushioning in your shoes. Local drugstores like Walgreens or CVS sell bunion pads that are specifically designed to take pressure of your joint. You can also purchase a “spacer” which prevents your second toe from pushing into your middle toe. Your doctor may also prescribe regular or custom orthotic inserts to prevent bunions form worsening.
Lastly, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help with pain and joint inflammation. Ask your friendly foot specialist for more information about pain relievers for bunions.
In a companion post in the future, we’ll explore the surgical treatment options and recovery protocols associated with bunions.
Related source: AAOS