Bunions- Relieve Foot Pain with Bunion Treatment

A
bunion is a common foot deformity that occurs when the big toe
points towards the second toe.  This causes a bump to
appear at the outer edge of your toe.  A

Bunion

typically occurs in the first metatarsal bone (attaches to
the big bone), but can also form in the bone that joins the
little toe to the foot.  This is also known as a
bunionette or tailor's bunion.  A bunion will begin to
develop when the big or little toe is forced towards the rest
of the toes.  Constantly being in this condition can cause
the head of the metatarsal bone to stick out and rub against
the shoes.  The underlying tissue will become inflamed and
a painful bump will begin to form.  As the big toe is
forced to grow at an angle towards the rest of the toes, a
bunion will slowly develop.  As it continues to grow, the
bunion will cause the bone and joint of the big toe to shift
and grow inward so the second toe crosses over it.

People
that are born with abnormal bones in their feet are more likely
to develop a bunion.  Wearing narrow-toed and high-heeled
shoes can also lead to the formation of a bunion because it
puts an enormous pressure on the front of the foot.  If
left untreated, a bunion can become very painful since a fluid
sac is likely to form at the base of the big toe.  Other
factors that may increase the chances of developing a bunion
are flat feet, arthritis, gout, and abnormal foot movement.

Wearing
appropriate shoes can help alleviate pain and pressure caused
by bunions.  These shoes should be:

Soft,
wide, low-heeled leather shoes that lace up

Athletic
shoes with soft toe boxes

Open
shoes with straps that don't touch the affected area

In
many cases, pain and discomfort will persist and

Bunion
Treatment

will
require minimally invasive surgery. There are over 100 surgical
techniques that can help remove bunions and realign the
toes.  Your podiatrist will help recommend the best
procedure for your case.  The most common surgery performed
is known as asbunionectomy.  This procedure involves shaving
down the bone of the big toe joint using a small incision where a
shaving tool is inserted.  The foot doctor will shave off
the bone according to feel or x-ray.  Results from this
procedure is long-lasting and patients can go back to their
normal schedule in a short amount of time.

To
read more about Bunions and bunion treatment, please reference:

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/foot-pain/bunions.html