If You Have A Bump At The Base Of Your Big Toe You May Have A Bunion!
Bunions form when the joint at the bottom of your big toe becomes misaligned. When this happens, the big toe begins to lean toward the other toes, causing the bone at the base of the toe to stick out. Today Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC are explaining what you need to know about this condition and available treatments.
If you have a bunion, you may experience burning, and pain in your big toe and the area around it will be swollen and red. Because standing and walking place significant pressure on your bunion, you may feel more pain when standing. If your shoes rub against the bunion, wearing them can be uncomfortable, and you may eventually develop calluses and corns due to the constant rubbing.
Who typically gets bunions?
While often diagnosed in women who wear high heels, bunions can affect just about anyone. If you wear tight shoes or participate in an activity that puts significant pressure on the front of your foot regularly, you may develop bunions.
Also, if you suffer from certain conditions such as arthritis in your foot, flat feet, inflammatory joint disorders, or low arches, your risk is elevated. If bunions run in the family, problems with the balance and structure of your foot can occur.
And although you may still get bunions regardless of which shoes you wear, you should avoid high heels and tight shoes, especially if some people in your family have had bunions. Wearing shoes that have more room in the toe area can diminish pain when you stand or walk.
We can provide treatments to increase your comfort, such as:
Taping and padding your foot;
Cortisone injections;
Prescription anti-inflammatory medications;
Physical therapy.
If your bunion is interfering with your daily life or the pain and discomfort is severe, surgery may be required to fix the alignment of your joint.
If you’ve tried to relieve your bunion pain at home, but it’s not working, it’s time to visit the offices of Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC for treatment. To schedule an appointment, call us today us at (301) 762-3338 or book your appointment online.
