A bunion is a painful swollen protrusion at the joint connecting the big toe to the foot. It is not simply a bump but rather a more serious foot problem. Pain that is felt is due to the irritation of the soft tissues surrounding the big toe area. If not properly managed, it can get worse over time.
Are you predisposed to having bunions? Find out if you have one or more of the common risk factors.
1. Over pronation of the foot is one of the common reasons for bunion development. Over pronation is when the foot is too far inward for normal function. When a person overpronates, the weight of the body is concentrated toward the midline of the body. Hence, the full weight of the body passes through the joint of the big toe, resulting in bunion formation.
2. Pre existing foot and ankle sprains, foot 拇趾外翻手術費用 fractures, and loose ligaments may also lead to the condition.
3. In general, foot disorders have high heritability. Similarly, genetics is a known risk factor for bunion formation. It is estimated that bunions were inherited in four out of ten cases.
4. Another common risk factor is gout. This is a disease associated with deposits of uric acid in the joint, most commonly the big toe or the bunion joint.
5. Using tight-fitting footwear, particularly narrow-toed shoes can put pressure on the big toe. High heels also cause significant strain on the toe joint since they have a tendency to shove the body weight onto the front of the foot.
6. Bunions are also common among ballet dancers. This is because the feet are under repetitive stress.
7. The incidence of bunions likewise increases with age.
8. Women are more prone to develop the condition.
9. Having low arches or flat feet both increase the risk of having bunions.
10. People who work in occupations that involve a lot of walking and standing are more susceptible. Therefore, bunions are not uncommon among those in retail, health care, food services, food preparation, teaching, delivery services and the like.
There are many ways to manage painful bunions. These include applying ice packs, taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin, having warm foot soaks, using better fitting footwear, and using foot pads. Bunions generally do not require surgical removal unless the pain becomes debilitating.
The only permanent way to treat bunions is through bunionectomy. There is the traditional surgery as well as the newer treatment, Talk to your foot doctor about your options.
